HRISIIAIN LIFE AND; SE.RVIE
tVrsioST
6
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"Let the Sabbath school lesson be learned, not by a hasty glance at the lesson scrip-
ture on Sabbath morning, but by careful study for the next week on Sabbath afternoon,
with daily review or illustration during the week.
Thus the lesson will become fixed in
the memory, a treasure never to be wholly lost."—"Education," pages 251, 252.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 235, January-March, 1954. 15 cents a single copy, 50 cent
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Copyright,
1953,
by Pacific Press Publishing Association
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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
CHRISTIAN LIFE AND SERVICE
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The most powerful argument for Chris-
tianity is a loving and lovable Christian, one
who knows what the Bible says about him
and who lives out that instruction in his
everyday life. The world is looking for such
people, is expecting much from them, and
is disappointed when realization falls short
of expectation. This series of Sabbath-school
lessons on
Christian Life and Service
is de-
signed to set forth the instruction of the
Bible and the spirit of prophecy on various
phases of the Christian life.
One or more main texts in bold-faced type
follow each question. These contain the an-
swer. Frequently, however, supplementary
texts are added in italics for those who wish
to look up others that have a bearing on the
subject.
Lesson 1, for January 2, 1954
God Is Fitting Men for His Eternal Kingdom
MEMORY VERSE:
"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner
of persons ought ye,to be in all holy conversation and godliness?" 2 Peter 3:11.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," pages 647-650 (new ed., pp. 637-643);
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 283, 416-419 (new ed., pp. 285, 426-429).
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: General survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Memorize 2 Peter 3:11; Key Thought;
Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-6.
4.
Ques. 7-9.
5.
Ques. 10-12.
6.
Read study helps assignment; Con-
clusions and Convictions.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. A Better World to Come
1.
Strangers and pilgrims here.
2.
Looking for a better country.
3.
A glimpse of that better land.
4.
The kind of people God wants in His
kingdom.
II. As God Sees Mankind
1. Only two
classes.
2.
The two classes contrasted.
3.
God's plea to His people.
III. The Need of Self-Examination
1.
Let a man examine himself.
2.
Seeing ourselves as God sees us.
3.
Looking to God for help.
4.
Preparation for the kingdom of God.
Key Thought:
"The Lord is fitting a people for heaven.
[3]
The defects of character, the stubborn will,
the selfish idolatry, the indulgence of fault-
finding, hatred, and contention, provoke the
wrath of God and must be put away from
His commandment-keeping people. Those
living in these sins are deceived and blinded
by the wiles of
Satan."—Testimonies,
vol. 4,
p. 180.
THE LESSON
A Better World to Come
1.
What contrasting attitudes
should we maintain toward the king-
dom of God and toward this world,
and for what reason? Matt. 6:33;
1 John 2:15
-
17.
Compare 2 Peter 3:10.
2.
Like Abraham, for what is the
Christian to look, and with what as-
surance? Heb. 11:10, 14, 16.
Com-
pare Dan. 7:18, 22, 27.
3.
What glimpses of that better
land are given by' Isaiah and John?
Isa. 65:17-19, 21, 22; Rev. 21:1-4.
Compare Isa. 11:6-9; 33:24; 35:1, 2,
5-10; 66:22, 23; Rev. 21:10-13, 21-33.
NoTE.—"In the Bible the inheritance of
the saved is called a country. There the
heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to foun-
tains of living waters. The tree of life yields
its fruit every month, and the leaves of the
tree are for the service of the nations. There
are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal,
and beside them waving trees cast their
shadows upon the paths prepared for the
ransomed of the Lord. There the wide-
spreading plains swell into hills of beauty,
and the mountains of God rear their lofty
summits. On those peaceful plains, beside
those living streams, God's people, so long
pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home."
—The Great Controversy,
page 675 (1950
ed., p. 665).
4.
What kind of people does God
want in His kingdom? Matt. 5:3, 5;
Ps. 24:3
-
5.
Compare Rom. 14:17;
1 Cor. 6:9-11; Eph. 5:1-7; 1 Peter 1:16.
NOTE.—
"
A man is estimated at his true
value by the Lord of heaven. If he is un-
kind in his earthly home, he is unfit for the
heavenly home. If he will have his own way,
no matter whom it grieves, he would not
be content in heaven, unless he could rule
there."—Mrs. E. G. White, in
Review and
Herald,
Feb. 21, 1888.
As God Sees Mankind
5.
In the judgment, into how many
classes does God divide mankind?
Matt. 25:31-33;
Ps. 11:4-7.
NoTEs.—"There are only two classes in
the world today, and only two classes will
be recognized in the judgment,—those who
violate God's law, and those who obey it.
Christ gives the test by which to prove our
loyalty or disloyalty."—Christ's
Object Les-
sons,
page 283 (new ed., p. 285).
"The eternal God has drawn the line of
distinction between the saints and the sin-
ners, the converted and the unconverted.
The two classes do not blend into each other
imperceptibly, like the colors of the rainbow.
They are as distinct as midday and mid-
night."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 87.
(See also pages 133, 139; and
The Desire of
Ages,
page 763.)
6.
How are these two classes con-
trasted? Ps. 15:1, 2; 9:17.
NOTE:—"Those who receive Christ by
faith as their personal Saviour cannot be in
harmony with the world. There are two
distinct classes: One is loyal to God, keep-
[ 4 ]
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talks and acts like the world, casting away
the word of God, which is truth, and ac-
cepting the words of the apostate, who re-
jected
Jesus."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 139.
For further study:
The Saints
Work righteousness. Ps. 15:2.
Speak the truth. Ps. 15:2.
Clean hands. Ps. 24:4.
Pure hearts. Ps. 24:4.
Keep tongues from evil. Ps. 34:13.
Depart from evil. Ps. 34:14.
Do good to all men. Ps. 34:14.
Cease from anger. Ps. 37:8.
Manifest love, joy, peace, long-suffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness,
temperance. Gal.
5:22,
23.
Forbear one another, kind, tenderhearted,
forgiving. Eph. 4:32.
Behave wisely in a perfect way. Ps.
101:2, 3.
The Sinners
Say, "There is no God." Ps. 14:1.
Plot against the just. Ps. 37:12.
Commit adultery, fornication, unclean-
ness, etc. Gal. 5:19.
Full of hatred, variance, wrath, strife,
envyings, murders, drunkenness, revel-
ings. Gal. 5:20, 21.
Lying, anger, stealing, bitterness, clamor,
evilspeaking, malice, covetousness, filth-
iness, foolish talking. Eph. 4:25, 31.
Whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, de-
ceitful, proud, boasters. Rom. 1:29, 30.
Inventors of evil things, disobedient to
parents, without natural affection,
unmerciful, unbelieving, abominable,
liars. Rom. 1:30, 31.
7.
Of the two ways the Lord has
set before His people, which does
He plead with us to choose? Deut.
30:15, 19.
NOTE.—"God had set before Israel 'life
and death, blessing and cursing ;' and how
repeatedly they had been urged to choose
the way of life, that they might become a
praise in the earth, a blessing to all nations."
—Prophets and Kings,
page 393.
The Need of Self-Examination
8.
What earnest counsel is given
with reference to,our personal experi-
ence? 2, Cor. 13:5; Lam. 3:40.
NOTE:—"There must be persevering effort
to overcome selfishness and self-confidence.
Self-examination must be thorough, that
there be no danger of self-deception. A
little catechizing of self on special occasions
is not sufficient. Daily examine the founda-
tion of your hope, and see whether you are
indeed in the love of Christ. Deal truly
with your own hearts, for you cannot af-
ford to run any risk here. Count the cost of
being a wholehearted Christian, and then
gird on the armor. Study the Pattern; look
to Jesus, and be like Him. Your peace of
mind, your hope of eternal salvation, de-
pends on faithfulness in this work. As
Christians we are less thorough in self-ex-
amination than in anything else ; it is no
wonder, then, that we make such slow ad-
vancement in understanding
self."—Testi-
monies, vol.
5, pp. 332, 333.
9.
How does unregenerate man ap-
peal before God? Ps. 14:2, 3;
Isa. 64:6.
10.
To whom shall we turn for
help? Isa. 45:22;
17:7; Lam. 5:21.
[
5
]
NOTE
: —"Come with your whole heart to
Jesus. Repent of your sins, make confes-
sion to God, forsake all iniquity, and you
may appropriate to yourself all His prom-
ises. 'Look unto Me, and be ye saved,' is
His gracious invitation.
"The day will come when the awful de-
nunciation of God's wrath will be uttered
against all who have persisted in their dis-
loyalty to Him. This will be when God
must speak and do terrible things in right-
eousness against the transgressors of His
law. But you need not be among those who
will come under the wrath of God. It is now
the day of His salvation. The light from the
cross of Calvary is now shining forth in
clear, bright rays, revealing Jesus, our Sac-
rifice for
sin."—Testimonies, vol.
5, pp. 634,
635.
11. What shall we do to be right
with God? Job 22:21; John 17:3.
NOTE.—"Through the knowledge of God
and of His Son Jesus Christ, are given to
the believer 'all things that pertain unto
life and godliness.' No good gift is with-
held from him who sincerely desires to ob-
tain the righteousness of God.
" 'This is life eternal,' Christ said, 'that
they might know Thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.'
. : . Scarcely can the human mind com-
prehend the breadth and depth and height
of the spiritual attainments of him who
gains this knowledge.
"None need fail of attaining, in his
sphere, to perfection of Christian character.
By the sacrifice of Christ, provision has
been made for the believer to receive all
things that pertain to life and godliness.
God calls upon us to reach the standard of
perfection, and places before us the ex-
ample of Christ's character. In His human-
ity, perfected by a life of constant resistance
of evil, the Saviour showed that through
co-operation with Divinity, human beings
may in this life attain to perfection of
character. This is God's assurance to us
that we too may obtain complete victory."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 531.
12. In view of the coming destruc-
tion of the world, to what admonition
should we give heed? 2 Peter
3:11
-
14.
Conclusions and Convictions
1.
"We can be fitted for heaven only
through the work of the Holy Spirit upon
the heart. . . . It is the work of the Holy
Spirit to elevate the taste, to sanctify the
heart, to ennoble the whole man."—Mrs. E.
G. White, in
Review and Herald,
vol. 69,
No. 43.
2.
"The life of Christ on earth was a per-
fect expression of God's law, and when
those who claim to be children of God be-
come Christlike in character, they will be
obedient to God's commandments. Then the
Lord can trust them to be of the number
who shall compose the family of heaven."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 315 .(new ed.,
p. 321).
3.
It is our chief business in life to permit
the Lord to remove all sinful traits from our
lives and by His grace to cultivate a Christ-
like character.
4.
This transformation in character must
be done for us here and now.
5.
Only by examination of our hearts, and
daily co-operation with the Holy Spirit, can
we be fitted for the society of angels and the
redeemed.
Lesson 2, for January 9, 1954
How a Sinner Becomes a Saint
MEMORY VERSE:
"For
He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that
we might be made the righteousness of God
in Him." 2 Cor. 5:21.
STUDY HELPS:
"Prophets and Kings," pages 486,
487, 586-592; "The Desire of
Ages," pages 309, 310; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," page 34.
[
6]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: General survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Key thought; Ques. 1-4.
3.
Ques. 5-8.
4.
Read selections from study helps.
5.
Ques. 9-12.
6.
Ques. 13, 14; Conclusions and Con-
victions.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Sinner Lost in Sin
1.
Sin separates from God.
2.
Man born in sin.
3.
The sinner described.
4.
The wages of sin.
II. The Sinner's Need of a Saviour
1.
The cry of the convicted sinner's
heart.
2.
Jesus is man's Saviour.
3.
The gospel of Christ.
4.
Saved by grace through faith.
III. Imputed Righteousness
1.
Man's first duty.
2.
Conditions of entrance into God's
kingdom.
3.
Man's only hope.
4.
Results of imputed righteousness.
IV. Imparted Righteousness
1.
Sanctification.
2.
Obtained through faith.
Key Thought:
"All who would enter the City of God
must during their earthly life set forth
Christ in their dealings. It is this that con-
stitutes them the messengers of Christ, His
witnesses. They are to bear a plain, decided
testimony against all evil practices, pointing
sinners to the Lamb of God, who taketh
away the sin of the world. He gives to all
who receive Him, power to become the sons
of God. Regeneration is the only path by
which we can enter the City of God. It is
narrow, and the gate by which we enter is
strait, but along it we are to lead men and
women and children, teaching them that in
order to be saved, they Must have a new
heart and a new spirit. The old, hereditary
traits of character must be overcome. The
natural desires of the soul must be changed.
All deception, all falsifying, all evilspeaking,
must be put away. The new life, which
makes men and women Christlike, is to be
lived."-Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 23.
THE LESSON
The Sinner Lost in Sin
1.
What alone separates man from
God? Isa. 59:1, 2;
Hab. 1:13, first part.
2.
How do men come by a sinful
nature? Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12.
3.
How are sinners described? Isa.
59:3-8; Rom. 1:18, 28-32.
4.
What is the end result of sin?
Rom. 6:23;
James 1:14, 15.
NOTES.
-"Man
was originally endowed
with noble powers and a well-balanced mind.
He was perfect in his being, and in harmony
with God. His thoughts were pure, his aims
holy.
But
through disobedience, his powers
were perverted, and selfishness took the
place of love. His nature became so weak-
ened through transgression that it was im-
possible for him, in his own strength, to
resist the power of evil. He was made cap-
tive by Satan, and would have remained so
forever had not God specially interposed. It
was the tempter's purpose to thwart the
divine plan in man's creation, and fill the
earth with woe and desolation. And he
would point to all this evil as the result
[
7]
ONLY ANT1DOTE
-
FOR
--- SIN IS THE
GOSPEL.
of God's work in creating
man."—Steps to
Christ,
page 19.
"In his sinless state, man held joyful com-
munion with Him 'in whom are hid all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge.' But
after his sin, he could no longer find joy in
holiness, and he sought to hide from the
presence of God. . . . The sinner could
not be happy in God's presence; he would
shrink from the companionship of holy be-
ings. Could he be permitted to enter heaven,
it would have no joy for him. . . . His
thoughts, his interests, his motives, would be
alien to those that actuate the sinless dwell-
ers there. He would be a discordant note in
the melody of heaven. Heaven would be to
him a place of torture.... They are shut out
by their own unfitness for its companion-
ship."—Ibid.,
pp. 19, 20.
The Sinner's Need of a Saviour
5. When the sinner realizes his
helpless condition, what is the cry of
his heart? Rom.
7:24; Ps. 51:1, 2, 10.
NoTE.—"By sin we have been severed
from the life of God. Our souls are palsied.
Of ourselves we are no more capable of
living a holy life than was the impotent man
capable of walking. There are many who
realize their helplessness, and who long for
that spiritual life which will bring them into
harmony with God; they are vainly striv-
ing to obtain it. In despair they cry, '0
wretched man that I am ! who shall deliver
me from this body of death ?' Rom. 7:24,
margin. Let these desponding, struggling
ones look up. The Saviour is bending over
the purchase of His blood, saying with in-
expressible tenderness and pity, 'Wilt thou
be made whole ?' He bids you arise in
health and peace. Do not wait to feel that
you are made whole. Believe His word,
and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on
the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and
in acting upon His word you will receive
strength. Whatever may be the evil practice,
the master passion which through long in-
dulgence binds both soul and body, Christ
is able and longs to deliver. He will impart
life to the soul that is 'dead in trespasses.'
Eph. 2:1. He will set free the captive that
is held by weakness and misfortune and the
chains of
sin."—The Desire of Ages,
page
203.
6.
To meet this need, what means
of deliverance has been provided?
Rom.
7:25 to 8:3; Acts 4:12;
John
1:4, 29; 14:6.
7.
How is this salvation revealed?
Rom. 1:16, 17;
2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Tim. 1:10.
NOTE.—"The giving of the gospel to the
world is the work that God has committed
to those who bear His name. For earth's sin
and misery the gospel is the only antidote.
To make known to all mankind the message
of the grace of God is the first work of those
who know its healing power."—The
Min-
istry of Healing,
page 141.
8.
How
is the sinner saved? Eph.
2:8,
9;
Acts 16:31.
NoTE.—"It is impossible for us, of our-
selves, to escape from the pit of sin in
which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil,
[ 8 ]
and we cannot change them. . . . Education,
culture, the exercise of the will, human effort,
all have their proper sphere, but here they
are powerless. They may produce an out-
ward correctness of behavior, but they can-
not change the heart ; they cannot purify
the springs of life. There must be a power
working from within, a new life from above,
before men can be changed from sin to holi-
ness. That power is Christ. His grace alone
can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul,
and attract it to God, to holiness."—Steps
to
Christ,
page 20.
Imputed Righteousness
9.
What is man's first duty? Matt.
6:33.
10.
What are the conditions of en-
trance into the kingdom of God? Rom.
14:17, 18;
Acts 2:38, 39.
NoTEs.—"The condition of eternal life is
now just what it always has been, ... perfect
obedience to the law of God, perfect right-
eousness."—Steps
to Christ,
page 67.
"The law requires righteousness,—a right-
eous life, a perfect character; and this man
has not to give. . . . But Christ, coming to
the earth as man, lived a holy life, and de-
veloped a perfect character. These He offers
as a free gift to all who will receive them.
His life stands for the life of men. Thus
they have remission of sins that are past,
through the forbearance of God."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 762.
"Christ perfected a righteous character
here upon the earth, not on His own account,
for His character was pure and spotless, but
for fallen man. His character He offers to
-man if he will accept it. The sinner, through
repentance of his sins, faith in Christ, and
obedience to the perfect law of God, has the
righteousness of Christ imputed to him; it
becomes his righteousness, and his name is
recorded in the Lamb's book of life. He be-
comes a child of God, a member of the royal
family."—Testimonies, vol.
3, pp. 371, 372.
"The thought that the righteousness of
Christ is imputed to us, not because of any
merit on our part, but as a free gift from
God, is a precious thought. The enemy of
God and man is not willing that this truth
should be clearly presented; for he knows
that if the people receive it fully, his power
will be
broken."—Gospel Workers,
page 161.
11.
What is man's only hope? Col.
1:27, 28;
Rom. 5:17; Jer. 17:17.
12.
What does imputed righteous-
ness accomplish? Rom. 3:24-26.
NorE.—"Thus they have remission of sins
that are past, through the forbearance of
God."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 762.
Imparted Righteousness
13.
Into what experience is the
justified one to be led? 1 Thess. 4:3,
first part; Rom. 5:9-11;
Eph. 3:17, 20;
Jude 24.
NoTEs.—"More than this, Christ imbues
men with the attributes of God. He builds
up the human character after the similitude
of the divine character, a goodly fabric of
spiritual strength and beauty. Thus the very
righteousness of the law is fulfilled in the
believer in Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 762.
"We are abiding in Christ by a living faith.
He is abiding in our hearts by our individual
appropriating of faith. We have the com-
panionship of the divine presence, and as
we realize this presence, our thoughts are
brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. Our
spiritual exercises are in accordance with the
[ 9 ]
vividness of our sense of this companionship.
Enoch walked with God in this way; and
Christ is dwelling in our hearts by faith
when we will consider what He is to us, and
what a work He has wrought out for us in
the plan of redemption. . . . I want to im-
press upon your mind that you may have a
divine companion with you, if you will, al-
ways."-Testimonies to Ministers,
page 388.
14. How is this experience made
possible? 1 Peter 1:2, 5;
Heb. 11:6;
John 17:17.
NOTE.
-"We
do not earn salvation by our
obedience; for salvation is the free gift of
God, to be received by faith. But obedience
is the fruit of faith. . . . That so-called faith
in Christ which professes to release men from
the obligation of obedience to God, is not
faith, but presumption."-Steps
to Christ,
page 66.
Conclusions and Convictions
1.
All men have sinned, and their sins have
separated them from God and His kingdom.
2.
The penalty for sin is death. All sin
and sinners will be destroyed.
3.
Only those who are clothed with, the
righteousness of Christ will enter God's ever-
lasting kingdom.
4.
Man's righteousness is like "filthy rags."
Man cannot change or save himself.
5.
While we were yet sinners, God gave
His Son to become our righteousness. His
death paid the penalty for our sins. His
righteousness is imputed to us for our justi-
fication and imparted to us for our sanctifi-
cation.
"So we have nothing in ourselves of which
to boast. We have no ground for self-exalta-
tion. Our only ground of hope is in the
righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and
in that wrought by His Spirit working in and
through
us."-Steps to Christ,
page 68.
Lesson 3, for January 16, 1954
Christianity and the Christian
MEMORY VERSE: "I
am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but
Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith
of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Gal. 2:20.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies," vol. 2,
pp.
588-594; "Gospel Workers," pages 282,
283.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey
5.
Ques. 9-12.
of the lesson, based on outline.
6.
Read "Gospel Workers" assignment;
2.
Key Thought; Ques. 1-4.
Conclusions and Convictions.
3. Ques. 5-8.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
4.
Read study help from "Testimonies."
Lesson Outline:
I.
God and Man
1.
What is man?
2.
God's love for man.
3.
Christ's redemption of man.
4.
Man built into the temple of the
Lord.
II. The One True God
1.
There is but one God.
2.
Creatorship the mark of the true
God.
3.
God's supremacy.
4.
The prayer of the righteous.
III. The Meaning of Christianity
1. True religion.
[
10]
2.
Christ and Christianity.
3.
The indwelling Christ.
Key Thought:
"The Lord Jesus was the foundation of
the whole Jewish economy. . . . But the
Jews had exalted the forms and ceremonies,
and had lost sight of their object. . . These
maxims and traditions became an obstacle to
their understanding and practice of true re-
ligion.... They demanded signs instead of a
Saviour. . . . Not by force of arms, not by
violent interpositions, was the kingdom of
God to prevail, but by the implanting of
a new principle in the hearts of men."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 34, 35 (new
ed., pp. 28, 29).
THE LESSON
God and Man
1. What questions does inspiration
ask concerning man? Ps. 144:3, 4;
Job 7:17, 18;
Ps. 8:3, 4.
The One True God
5. In what words does the Bible
emphasize that there is but one true
God? Isa. 45:5, 22;
Deut. 6:4.
NoTE.—"In the apostasy, man alienated
himself from God; earth was cut off from
heaven. Across the gulf that lay between,
there could be no communion."—Steps
to
Christ,
page 23.
2.
How did God show His love for
man? John 3:16; 1 John 4:14;
Rom.
5:8.
NOTE.—"Through Christ, earth is again
linked with heaven. With His own merits,
Christ has bridged the gulf which sin had
made, so that the ministering angels can hold
communion with man. Christ connects fallen
man, in his weakness and helplessness, with
the Source of infinite power. . . . The only
way to God is Christ."—Steps
to Christ,
pages 23, 24.
3.
What did Christ do for hopeless,
helpless man? Col. 1:13, 14, 21;
Eph.
2:1-5; Rom. 5:6.
4.
What, then, does that mean for
those who accept God's gift by faith?
Eph. 2:19-22.
NoTEs.—"The revelation of Himself that
God has given in His word is for our study.
This we may seek to understand. But be-
yond this we are not to penetrate. The
highest intellect may tax itself until it is
wearied out in conjectures regarding the
nature of God; but the effort will be fruit-
less. This problem has not been given us to
solve. No human mind can comprehend
God. Let no finite man attempt to interpret
Him. Let none indulge in speculation re-
garding His nature. Here silence is elo-
quence. The Omniscient One is above
dis-
cussion."—Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 279.
"As we learn more and more of what
God is, and of what we ourselves are in His
sight, we shall fear and tremble before
Him."—Ibid.,
p. 283.
6.
How is the true God distin-
guished? jer. 10:10-12; Isa. 40:25, 26.
NorE.—"God's claim to reverence and
worship, above the gods of the heathen, is
based upon the fact that He is the Creator,
and that to Him all other beings owe their
existence. Thus it is presented in the Bible."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 336.
7.
How is the supremacy of God
affirmed? Eph. 4:6;
Acts 17:24-27; Ps.
139:7-12.
NOT DUSTY TOMES OR HEATED ARGUMENTS, BUT
A CONSISTENT LIFE IS THE MOST POWERFUL
PROOF OF CHRISTIANITY. „,/e
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NOTE.—"He pointed His hearers to the
Ruler of the universe, under the new name,
`Our Father.' He would have them under-
stand how tenderly the heart of God
yearned over them. He teaches that God
cares for every lost soul; that 'like as a
father pitieth his children, so the Lord
pitieth them that fear Him.' Such a concep-
tion of God was never given to the world
by any religion but that of the Bible.
Heathenism teaches men to look upon the
Supreme Being as an object of fear rather
than of love,—a malign deity to be appeased
by sacrifices, rather than a Father pouring
upon His children the gift of His love. . . .
"It is not because of inherent power that
year by year the earth produces her boun-
ties, and continues her motion round the
sun. The hand of God guides the planets,
and keeps them in position in their orderly
march through the heavens. It is through
His power that summer and winter, seed-
time and harvest, day and night follow each
other in their regular succession. It is by
His word that vegetation flourishes, that
the leaves appear, and the flowers bloom.
Every good thing we have, each ray of sun-
shine and shower of rain, every morsel of
food, every moment of life, is a gift of love."
—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pages 113-115.
8.
What, therefore, should be the
trustful prayer of the righteous? Ps.
16:1, 8;
31:1-3, 14, 15.
NOTE.—"It. is Christ first and last and al-
ways. He is to be with us, not only at the
beginning and the end of our course, but at
every step of the
way."—Steps to Christ,
pages 73, 74.
The Meaning of Christianity
9.
How is true religion defined?
James 1:27.
NorEs.—"Bible religion is not one influence
among many others; its influence is to be
supreme, pervading and controlling every
other. It is not to be like a dash of color
brushed here and there upon the canvas, but
it is to pervade the whole life, as if the can-
vas were dipped into the color, until every
thread of the fabric were dyed a deep, un-
fading hue."—The
Desire o f Ages,
page 312.
"Religion, pure and undefiled, ennobles
its possessor. You will ever find with the
true Christian a marked cheerfulness, a holy,
happy confidence in God, a submission to
His providences, that is refreshing to the
soul."—Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 377.
10.
How is practical religion set
forth in the teachings of Jesus? Matt.
25:34-40; 10:42.
NOTES.—"Religion is not merely an emo-
tion, a feeling. It is a principle which is
interwoven with all the daily duties and
transactions of life. Nothing will be enter-
tained, no business engaged in, which will
prevent the accompaniment of this principle.
To retain pure and undefiled religion, it is
necessary to be workers, persevering in ef-
fort. We must do something ourselves. No
one else can do our work. None but our-
selves can work out our salvation with fear
and trembling. This is the very work which
the Lord has left for us to
do ."—Testimonies ,
vol. 2, p. 506.
"Our profession of faith may proclaim the
theory of religion, but it is our practical
piety that holds forth the word of truth. The
consistent life, the holy conversation, the
[12
]
unswerving integrity, the active, benevolent
spirit, the godly example,—these are the me-
diums through which light is conveyed to the
world."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 307.
11.
What experience is compre-
hended in Christianity? Col. 1:27;
Eph.
3:17-19; John 15:4, 7; Rev. 3:20.
NoTEs.—Christianity is "Christ in you,
the hope of glory." The very nature of
Christ must be implanted in you—Christ's
mind, Christ's thoughts, Christ's motives,
Christ's feelings, Christ's words, Christ's
acts, become the very warp and woof of the
Christian's life. These will make a man a
Christian—a real Christian. That is the
meaning of Christianity.
"Gospel religion is Christ in the life,—a
living, active principle. It is the grace of
Christ revealed in character and wrought
out in good works. The principles of the gos-
pel cannot be disconnected from any depart-
ment of practical life. Every line of Christian
experience and labor is to be a representation
of the life of
Christ."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
page 384 (new ed., p. 389).
12.
How is this fellowship with
Christ further emphasized? Gal. 2:20;
Rom. 6:11;
Col. 3:2, 3.
NOTES.—"Christianity—how many there
are who do not know what it is! It is not
something put on the outside. It is a life
inwrought with the life of Jesus. It means
that we are wearing the robe of Christ's
righteousness."—Testimonies
to Ministers,
page 131.
"Christianity has a much broader mean-
ing than many have hitherto given it. It
is not a creed. It is the word of Him who
liveth and abideth forever. It is a living,
animating principle, that takes possession of
mind, heart, motives, and the entire man.
Christianity—oh, that we might experience
its operations
!"—Ibid.,
pp. 421, 422.
Conclusions and Convictions
1.
Too many people have a wrong con-
ception of Christianity. They have the idea
that Christianity is a philosophy to talk
about and debate.
2.
The Christian religion is something to
be, something to do, something to affect
every transaction, every business and social
relationship, every phase of everyday life.
3.
The strongest and most powerful ar-
gument for Christianity is a loving and
lovable Christian.
4.
God belongs to every man, every tribe,
every nation, every people; and you and I
who know Him are under obligation to go
and make Him known to as many people as
we can reach. Making God known by pre-
cept and by example, that is the business of
Christians everywhere.
Lesson 4, for January 23, 1954
On Becoming a Christian—Steps to Christ
MEMORY VERSE:
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate,
saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and
will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the
Lord Almighty." 2 Cor. 6:17, 18.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies," vol. 9, pp. 165, 166; "The Desire of Ages," pages
519-523; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 402-404 (new ed., pp. 410-413).
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: General survey
of the lesson, following the outline.
2.
Key Thought; Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-6.
4.
Read suggested study helps.
5.
Ques. 7-10.
6.
Ques. 11-13; Conclusions and Con-
victions.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
(13
Lesson Outline:
I. The Call to Become Christians
1.
The business of the Christian church.
2.
Separation from the world.
3.
Sons of God.
II. The Call to Surrender
1.
The Master's call.
2.
The meaning of surrender.
3.
Christ the way.
III. Steps to Christ
1.
A new birth.
2.
Conversion.
3.
Repentance.
4.
Confession.
5.
Justification.
6.
Adoption.
7.
Sanctification.
Key Thought:
"When we submit ourselves to Christ, the
heart is united with His heart, the will is
merged in His will, the mind becomes one
with His mind, the thoughts are brought into
captivity to Him; we live His life. This is
what it means to be clothed with the gar-
ment of His righteousness.... Righteousness
is rightdoing, and it is by their deeds that all
will be judged.... The works show whether
the faith is
genuine."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
page 312 (new ed., p. 319).
THE LESSON
The Call to Become Christians
1.
What is the supreme business of
the Christian church? Matt. 28:19, 20;
Mark 16:15.
2.
What must be the experience of
everyone who would be a true Chris-
tian? 2 Cor. 6:17, 18;
Rev. 18:4.
3.
Into what family is the Christian
adopted? Rom. 8:14-17;
Gal. 4:4-7;
Eph. 2:18, 19.
The Call to Surrender
4.
What is the call of the Master to
those whom He chooses? Matt. 4:18-
22; 9:9.
NOTE.—"The deeper lesson which the
miracle conveyed for the disciples is a les-
son for us also,—that He whose word could
gather the fishes from the sea could also
impress human hearts, and draw them by
the cords of His love, so that His servants
might become 'fishers of men.' . . .
"In the apostles of our Lord there was
nothing to bring glory to themselves. It
was evident that the success of their labors
was due only to God. The lives of these
men, the characters they developed, and
the mighty work that God wrought through
them, are a testimony to what He will do
for all who are teachable and obedient."
—The Desire of Ages,
pages 249, 250.
5.
What is the meaning of a full
surrender? Luke 14:33;
Matt. 19:27,
first part.
NOTES.—"The surrender of all our powers
to God greatly simplifies the problem of life.
It weakens and cuts short a thousand strug-
gles with the passions of the natural heart.
Religion is as a golden cord that binds the
souls of both youth and aged to Christ.
Through it the willing and obedient are
brought safely through dark and intricate
paths to the City of God."—Mrs. E. G.
White, in
Youth's Instructor
, Feb. 2, 1893.
"Many who profess to be .,hrist's follow-
ers have an anxious, troubled heart, because
they are afraid to trust themselves with God.
They do not make a complete surrender to
Him; for they shrink from the consequences
that, such a surrender may involve. Unless
14
RELIGION IS A CORD THAT
LEADS CHRISTIANS THROUGH
THE DARKNESS TO THE
ETERNAL HOME-
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they do make this surrender, they can-
not find peace."—The
Ministry of Healing,
pages 480, 481.
6.
What is Christ's part in the way
back to God? John 14:6;
10:7-9.
The Steps to Christ—The Way
Back to God
7.
What essential experience is nec-
essary in becoming a child of God?
John 3:3;
1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:9.
NOTE.—"Nicodemus had come to the Lord
thinking to enter into a discussion with Him,
but Jesus laid bare the foundation principles
of truth. He said to Nicodemus, It is not
theoretical knowledge you need so much as
spiritual regeneration. . . . The Christian's
life is not a modification or improvement of
the old, but
a
transformation of nature.
There is a death to self and sin, and a new
life altogether. This change can be brought
about only by the effectual working of the
Holy Spirit."—The
Dersire of Ages,
pages
171, 172.
8.
What term does the Scripture
use to express the experience of turn-
ing away from sin to righteousness?
Acts 3:19;
Ps. 51:3.
NOTE.—"The great truth of the conver-
sion of the heart by the Holy Spirit is,
presented in Christ's words to Nicodemus:
`Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a
man be born from above, he cannot see the
kingdom of God. .. . That which is born of
the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of
the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said
unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind
bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest
the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence
it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every-
one that is born of the Spirit.' John 3:3-8,
margin."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 98
(new ed., p. 95) .
9.
What is the first step on our part
. in coming to Christ? Acts 2:37, 38;
Luke 13:3; 2 Peter 3:9.
NorEs.—"Repentance is turning from self
to
Christ."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
page 131.
"But no man can empty himself of self.
We can only consent for Christ to accom-
plish the work. Then the language of the
soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I can-
not give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure,
for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in
spite of myself, my weak, un-Christlike self.
Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure
and holy atmosphere, where the rich current
of Thy love can flow through my soul."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 159. (new ed.,
p. 161).
10.
What besides repentance is nec-
essary? Prov. 28:13; 1 John 1:9;
Acts
19:18; James 5:16.
NOTES.—"Those who have not humbled
their souls before God in acknowledging
their guilt, have not yet fulfilled the first
condition of acceptance. If we have not ex-
perienced that repentance which is not to
[151
be repented of, and have not with true
humiliation of soul and brokenness of spirit
confessed our sins, abhorring our iniquity,
we have never truly sought for the forgive-
ness of sin; and if we have never sought, we
have never found the peace of
God."—Steps
to Christ,
pages 42, 43.
"If there have been difficulties, brethren
and sisters,—if envy, malice, bitterness, evil
surmisings, have existed, confess these sins,
not in a general way, but to your brethren
and sisters personally. Be definite."—Mrs.
E. G. White, in
Review and Herald,
Dec.
16, 1884.
11.
What does imputed righteous-
ness bring to the believer? Rom. 4:22
to 5:1;
3:21-26; Acts 13:39.
NOTE.—"What is justification by faith?
It is the work of God in laying the glory of
man in the dust, and doing for man that
which it is not in his power to do for him-
self."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 456.
12.
By what formal act do we be-
come members of the family of God?
Rom. 8:14, 15;
Gal. 4:4-6; Eph. 1:3-7.
NoTE.—"If you make the sacrifice, if
you have to forsake father, mother, sisters,
brothers, wife, and children for Christ's sake,
you will not be friendless. God adopts you
into His family; you become members of the
royal household, sons and daughters of the
King who rules in the heaven of heavens."—
Testimonies, vol.
1, p. 510.
13.
What is the ultimate purpose
of God, and what is this experience
called? 1 Thess. 3:13; 4:3, first part;
5:23; 2 Thess. 2:13.
NOTES.—"The Scriptures plainly show
that the work of sanctification is progressive.
When in conversion the sinner finds peace
with God through the blood of the atone-
ment, the Christian life has but just begun.
Now he is to 'go on unto perfection ;' to
grow up 'unto the measure of the stature of
the fullness of Christ.' [Heb. 6:1; Eph. 4:13.1
. . . And Peter sets before us the steps by
which Bible sanctification is to be attained.
2 Peter
1:5-10."—The Great Controversy,
page 470 (new ed., p. 465).
"The sanctification set forth in the Scrip-
tures embraces the entire being,—spirit, soul,
and
body."—Ibid.,
p. 473.
"This is true sanctification; for sanctifica-
tion consists in the cheerful performance of
daily duties in perfect obedience to the will
of
God."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 360
(new ed., p. 362).
"True sanctification means perfect love,
perfect obedience, perfect conformity to the
will of God."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 565.
Conclusions and Convictions
1.
God wants men everywhere to be
saved.
2.
To the church has been given the re-
sponsibility of carrying the gospel to all the
world and through it call out those who
would be free from sin and ready for the
second coming of Christ.
3.
The Christian religion calls men out of
sin, apart from the world, into a union and
partnership with Christ.
4.
The Christian life is one of full surren-
der to God to be guided and directed by His
Spirit.
5.
To become true Christians we must
experience the new birth, following the steps
back to God through repentance and confes-
sion on to our experience of justification and
sanctification, which is the process of re-
storing in man the character of God. "Sanc-
tification is not the work of a moment, an
hour, a day, but of a lifetime. It is not
gained by a happy flight of feeling, but is the
result of constantly dying to sin, and con-
stantly living for Christ."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 560.
PLAN FOR THE THIRTEENTH
SABBATH OFFERING, MARCH. 27
[ 16 ]
• Lesson-5i. for January 30, 1954
The Christian's Heart and Mind
MEMORY VERSE:
"My son, give Me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe My
ways." Prov.
23:26.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies," vol. 3, pp. 333-335; "The Acts of the Apostles," page
566; "Patriarchs and Prophets," page 600.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les-
5. Ques. 9, 10.
son, following the outline.
6. Ques. 11, 12; Conclusions and Con-
2.
Key Thought; Ques. 1-4.
victions.
3.
Ques. 5-8.
7. Review the entire lesson.
4.
Read suggested study helps.
Lesson Outline:
I.
The Heart of Man
1.
The natural condition of man's heart.
2.
God's gracious invitation.
3.
The sinner's plea.
4.
God's response.
II. The Mind of Christ
1.
The need of a change of mind.
2.
"Let this mind be in you."
3.
Relation of mind to character.
4.
Guarding the avenues to the soul.
III. Christ Dwells in the Christian's Heart
1.
Meaning of Christ dwelling in the
heart.
2.
Results of the indwelling.
3.
The indwelling Christ revealed in
the life.
4.
How to become like Christ..
Key Thought:
"From eternal ages it was God's purpose
that every created being, from the bright
and holy seraph to man, should be a temple
for the indwelling of the Creator. Because of
sin, humanity ceased to be a temple for God.
Darkened and defiled by evil, the heart of
man no longer revealed the glory of the
Divine One. But by the incarnation of the
Son of God, the purpose of Heaven is ful-
filled. God dwells in humanity, and through
saving grace the heart of man becomes again
His temple. God designed that the temple at
Jerusalem should be a continual witness to
the high destiny open to every soul. But the
Jews had not understood the significance of
the building they regarded with so much
pride. They did not yield themselves as holy
temples for the divine Spirit. The courts of
the temple at Jerusalem, filled with the tu-
mult of unholy traffic, represented all too
truly the temple of the heart, defiled by
the presence of sensual passion and unholy
thoughts. In cleansing the temple from the
world's buyers and sellers, Jesus announced
His mission to cleanse the heart from the de-
filement of sin,-from the earthly desires,
the selfish lusts, the evil habits, that corrupt
the soul."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 161.
THE LESSON
The Heart of Man
1. What is the natural condition of
man's heart? Jer. 17:9;
Matt. 15:19;
Mark 7:21-23.
Nora.-"Men
do not know their own
hearts; for 'the heart is deceitful above all
things, and desperately wicked.' But God
understands the tendencies of the depraved
nature of
man."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 688.
2. What gracious invitation does
God give to men? Prov. 23:26; Rev.
3:20.
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DIVINE SURGERY IS NECESSARY.
"It is a law both of the intellectual and
the spiritual ' nature, that by beholding,
we become changed. The mind gradually
adapts itself to the subjects upon which it
is allowed to dwell. It becomes assimilated
to that which it is accustomed to love and
reverence. Man will never rise higher than
his standard of purity or goodness or
truth."—The
Great Controversy,
page 555.
6. Whose mind will the Christian
possess? 1 Cor. 2:16; Phil. 2:5.
NoTE.—"Let us not keep back from God
that which is His own. . . . He asks for a
whole heart; give it to Him; it is His, both
by creation and by redemption. He asks for
your intellect; give it to Him; it is His."—
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 566.
3.
What should be the sinner's
plea? Ps. 51:10, 11.
NOTE.—"No man can of himself cast out
the evil throng that have taken possession of
the heart. Only Christ can cleanse the soul
temple. But He will not force an entrance.
. . . His presence will cleanse and sanctify
the soul, so that it may be a holy temple unto
the Lord, and 'an habitation of God through
the Spirit.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
pages 161,
162. See also pages 171-176.
4.
What will be God's response?
Ezek. 36:26;
11:19.
NoTEs.—"The fountain of the heart must
be purified before the streams can become
pure."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 172.
"When Christ is in the heart it will be so
softened and subdued by love for God and
man that fretting, faultfinding, and conten-
tion will not exist there. The religion of
Christ in the heart will gain for its possessor
a complete victory over those passions that
are seeking for the
mastery."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 610.
The Mind of Christ
5.
Why do we need a change of
mind? Rom. 8:5-8;
Col. 1:21.
NOTES.—"The mind, the heart, that is in-
dolent, aimless, falls an easy prey to evil.
It is on diseased, lifeless organisms that
fungus roots. It is the idle mind that is
Satan's workshop. Let the mind be di-
rected to high and holy ideals, let the life
have a noble aim, an absorbing purpose,
and evil finds little foothold."—Education,
page 190.
18
7. What is the relation of mind to
character? Rom. 12:2;
1 Cor. 15:33.
NOTE.—The transformation of character
begins with the changing of one's thoughts.
"The words, 'A new heart also will I give
you' (Ezek. 36:26), mean, A new mind will
I give you. This change of heart is always
attended by a clear conception of Christian
duty, an understanding of truth. The clear-
ness of our view of truth will be proportion-
ate to our understanding of the word of
God."—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and
Students,
page 452.
8. What can and must the Christian
do to see that the mind feeds on right
and proper things? Phil. 4:7-9;
Ps.
101:3, 4.
NOTES.—"The mind, the soul, is built up
by that upon which it feeds; and it rests
with us to determine upon what it shall be
fed. It is within the power of everyone to
choose the topics that shall occupy the
thoughts and shape the character."—Edu-
cation,
pages 126, 127.
"As the mind dwells upon Christ, the char-
acter is molded after the divine similitude.
The thoughts are pervaded with a sense of
His goodness, His love. We contemplate His
character, and thus He is in all our thoughts.
. . . Here again there is the realization of a
personal, living influence dwelling in our
hearts by
faith."—Testimonies to Ministers,
pages 388, 389.
Christ Dwells in the Christian's
Heart
9.
What heart experience should
the Christian have? Eph. 3:17;
Gal.
2:20; John 14:23.
NOTE.—"Christ dwelling in our hearts by
faith means the contemplation of Christ,
beholding Christ, ever cherishing the dear
Saviour as our very best and honored friend,
so that we would not in any action grieve
and offend
Him."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 387.
10.
What results will come to the
one who is renewed in mind? Eph.
4:20-24;
Col. 2:6, 7, 10.
NoTE.—"The growth of every Christian is
from within, not from without. It is only
as the Spirit of Christ dwells in the heart by
faith that we can grow in grace and the
knowledge of Christ. Only through the grace
daily drawn from Jesus can the heart be
kept. There can be no safety in extolling
self; we must hide self
in
Jesus. Christ
abiding within, is the life of the soul. And
we are to receive Christ through His word.
It is the truth that sanctifies the soul."—
Mrs. E. G. White, in
Review and Herald,
Feb. 16, 1892.
11. Since Christ is holy, what will
His indwelling in our heart do for us?
1 Peter 1:15, 16;
Eph.
1:4.
NoTE.—"Christ abiding in the heart shines
out in the faces of those who love Him and
keep His commandments. Truth is written
there. The sweet peace of heaven is revealed.
There is expressed a habitual gentleness, a
more than human
love."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
page 102 (new ed., p. 99). •
12. How do we become like Christ?
2 Cor. 3:18;
Heb. 12:2.
NoTE.—"A life in Christ is a life of restful-
ness. There may be no ecstasy of feeling, but
there should bean abiding, peaceful trust.
Your hope is not in yourself; it is in Christ.
Your weakness is united to His strength,
your ignorance to His wisdom, your frailty
to His enduring might. So you are not to
look to yourself, not to let the mind dwell
on self, but look to Christ. Let the mind
dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the
perfection, of His character. Christ in His
self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ
in His purity and holiness, Christ in His
matchless love,—this is the subject for the
soul's contemplation. It is by loving Him,
copying Him, depending wholly upon Him,
that you are to be transformed into His
likeness."—Steps
to Christ,
page 75.
Conclusions and Convictions
1.
God so loved the world that He gave
His Son to be my Saviour, and I so loved
God that I gave my heart to become His
abiding place. "I pray that Christ may make
His home in your hearts through your faith."
Eph. 3:17, Weymouth.
2.
What comes out of a man's heart de-
pends upon what he puts into his heart.
3.
Christianity is not so much how to get
[ 19 ]
a man into heaven by and by, as it is how to
get heaven into a man's heart here and now.
4. "There is an eloquence far more pow-
erful than the eloquence of words in the
quiet, consistent life of a pure, true Chris-
tian. What a man is has more influence
than what he says.
"The officers who were sent to Jesus
came back with the report that never man
spoke as He spoke. But the reason for this
was that never man lived as He lived. Had
His life been other than it was, He could
not have spoken as He
did."-The Ministry
of Healing,
page 469.
Lesson 6, for February 6, 1954
The Christian's Body
MEMORY VERSE:
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy
Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in
your spirit, which are God's." 1 Cor. 6:19, 20.
STUDY HELPS:
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 346-351 (new ed., pp. 349-354);
"Prophets and Kings," page 489.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les-
son, following the outline.
2.
Key Thought; Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-6.
4.
Read suggested study helps.
5.
Ques. 7, 8.
6.
Ques. 9-12; Conclusions and Convic-
tions.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. "Ye Are Not Your Own"
1.
Our bodies are the temple of God.
2.
Flesh and spirit contrasted.
3.
The result of defiling the body.
II. "Present Your Bodies, . . . Holy,
Acceptable"
1.
"A living sacrifice."
2.
The great objective.
3.
The body temple.
III. Keeping Fit
1.
God's desire for His people.
2.
Temperate in all things.
IV. Living for God and His Kingdom
1.
God's purpose for His people.
2.
The attitude of the true Christian.
3.
A commendable example.
4.
The essence of the kingdom of God.
Key Thought:
"The body is the only medium through
which the mind and the soul are developed
for the upbuilding of character. Hence it
is that the adversary of souls directs his
temptations to the enfeebling and degrading
of the physical powers. His success here
means the surrender to evil of the whole be-
ing. The tendencies of our physical nature,
unless under the dominion of a higher
power, will surely work ruin and death."-
The Ministry of Healing,
page 130.
THE LESSON
"Ye Are Not Your Own"
1. What is our body declared to be?
1 Cor. 6:19, 20;
2 Cor. 6:16.
2. How does Paul contrast the life
"after the flesh" and the life "after the
Spirit"? Rom. 8:5-9;
1 Cor. 2:14.
[ 20
THE SOUL MUST BE CLEANSED
IF CHI2 ST IS TO BE
WELCOMED
NTO THE HEART.
3.
What Will result from defilement
of the body? 1 Cor. 3:17.
NoTE.—"The laws that govern our physi-
cal organism, God has written upon every
nerve, muscle, and fiber of the body. Every
careless or willful violation of these laws is a
sin against our Creator.. . .
"The power of the will and the importance
of self-control, both in the preservation and
in the recovery of health, the depressing
and even ruinous effect of anger, discontent,
selfishness, or impurity, and, on the other
hand, the marvelous life-giving power to be
found in cheerfulness, unselfishness, grati-
tude, should also be
shown."—Education,
pages 196, 197.
Present Your Bodies—Holy—
Acceptable
4.
What is the Christian enjoined
to do? Rom. 12:1.
NOTES.—"It is impossible for a man to
present his body a living sacrifice, holy, ac-
ceptable to God, while continuing to in-
dulge habits that are depriving him of physi-
cal, mental, and moral
vigor."—Counsels on
Health,
page 23.
"Sanctification is not merely a theory, an
emotion, or a form of words, but a living,
active principle, entering into the everyday
life. It requires that our habits of eating,
drinking, and dressing be such as to secure
the preservation of physical, mental, and
moral health, that we may present to the
Lord our bodies—not an offering corrupted
by wrong habits, but—`a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God.'
"—Ibid.,
p. 67.
"As it is through the body that all the evil
that is in the unrenewed heart comes forth
in palpable manifestation and action, so it is
through the body that the gracious princi-
ples and affections of believers reveal them-
selves in the outward life. The Christian
must never forget that as corruption extends
to the whole man, so does sanctification."—
Critical and Experimental Commentary,
vol.
6, p. 623.
5.
What is the great objective of
all Christian living? 1 Thess. 5:23;
Phil. 3:17-21.
NOTE.—"The body is to be brought into
subjection. The higher powers of the being
are to rule. The passions are to be controlled
by the will, which is itself to be under the
control of God. The kingly power of reason,
sanctified by divine grace, is to bear sway in
our lives.
"The requirements of God must be
brought home to the conscience. Men and
women must be awakened to the duty of
self-mastery, the need of purity, freedom
from every depraving appetite and defiling
habit. They need to be impressed with the
fact that all their powers of mind and body
are the gift of God, and are to be preserved
in the best possible condition for His serv-
ice."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 130.
6.
In whose heart does God prom-
ise to dwell? Isa. 57:15.
NOTE.—Only holy people can dwell in
God's presence, and God will dwell only in
people whose bodies are holy,—blameless,—
without spot or wrinkle.
[
21
]
Keeping Fit
7.
What is God's desire for His
people? 3 John 2; Ps. 103:1-5.
Noms.—"We cannot be too often re-
minded that health does not depend on
chance. It is a result of obedience to law.
This is recognized by the contestants in ath-
letic games and trials of strength. These men
make the most careful preparation. They
submit to thorough training and strict dis-
cipline. Every physical habit is carefully
regulated. They know that neglect, excess,
or carelessness, which weakens or cripples
any organ or function of the body, would
ensure defeat.
"How much more important is such care-
fulness to ensure success in the conflict of
life. . . . We are waging a warfare upon
which hang eternal results."—The
Ministry
of Healing,
page 128.
"Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest,
exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust
in divine power,—these are the true reme-
dies."—Ibid., p. 127.
"Health is an inestimable blessing, and one
more closely related to conscience and reli-
gion than many realize. .. . The importance
of caring for the health should be taught as
a Bible requirement. . . . No one can prop-
erly understand his obligations to God un-
less he understands clearly his obligations to
himself as God's property. He who remains
in sinful ignorance of the laws of life and
health, or who willfully violates these laws,
sins against
God."—Counsels to Parents,
Teachers, and Students,
pages 294, 295.
8.
What part does temperance have
in keeping the body under control?
1 Cor. 9:25-27;
Gal. 5:22, 23.
NorEs.—"With our first parents, intem-
perate desire resulted in the loss of Eden.
Temperance in all things has more to do with
our restoration to Eden than men realize.
. 'Every man that striveth for the mastery
is temperate in all things.'
"—The Ministry
of Healing,
page 129.
"I was shown that Sabbathkeepers as a
people labor too hard without allowing
themselves change or periods of rest. . . . It
is not essential to our salvation, nor for the
glory of God, to keep the mind laboring con-
stantly and excessively, even upon religious
themes."—The
Adventist Home,
page 494.
"The time spent in physical exercise is not
lost. ... Care needs to be exercised in regard
to the regulation of hours for sleeping and
laboring. We must take periods of rest,
periods of recreation, periods for contempla-
tion. . . . The principles of temperance have
a wider range than many think."—Ibid.
"There are modes of recreation which are
highly beneficial to both mind and body. An
enlightened, discriminating mind will find
abundant means for entertainment and di-
version, from sources not only innocent, but
instructive."—Ibid., p. 496.
Living for God and His Kingdom
9.
What is God's purpose for His
people? 2 Cor. 3:2-4;
Isa. 43:10;
Acts 1:8.
NoTE.—"It is God's purpose to manifest
through His people the principles of His
kingdom. That in life and character they
may reveal these principles, He desires to
separate them from the customs, habits, and
practices of the world. . . .
"God expects those who bear the name of
Christ to represent Him. Their thoughts are
to be pure, their words noble and uplifting.
The religion of Christ is to be interwoven
with all that they do and say. . . . God
desires His people to show by their lives the
advantage of Christianity over worldliness,
to show that they are working on a high,
holy plane."—The
Adventist Home,
pages
519, 520.
10.
What attitude will characterize
the followers of Christ? 1 Cor. 10:31;
Col. 3:17; Matt. 26:39, 42.
11.
What commendable example in
the matter of food and drink is left
on record for our guidance? Dan. 1:8.
[ 22 ]
NOTES.
-"The
question of how to preserve
the health is one of primary importance."-
Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 153.
"We do not mark out any precise line to
be followed in diet; but we do say that in
countries where there are fruits, grains, and
nuts in abundance, flesh food is not the right
food for God's people. . . . We are not to
make the use of flesh food a test of fellow-
ship."-Ibid,
p. 159.
"It is better to know how to keep well
than how to cure disease."-Ibid., p. 161.
"Eat only plain, simple, wholesome food."
-Ibid.,
p. 163.
Workers "must consider carefully before
they specify just what foods should and
should not be eaten" in the various countries
of the world.
(Ibid.)
12. What transcends meat and
drink in so far as the kingdom of
heaven is concerned? Rom. 14:17;
Matt. 15:15-20.
Conclusions and Convictions
1.
The spiritual nature must control the
lower nature, for the lower nature is in a
state of enmity to God. Rom. 8:7. The
spiritual nature in control means life and
peace. Rom. 8:6. Those controlled by the
lower nature cannot please God. Rom. 8:8.
2.
"Christians have many sources of hap-
piness at their command, and they may tell
with unerring accuracy what pleasures are
lawful and right. They may enjoy such
recreations as will not dissipate the mind or
debase the soul, such as will not disappoint
and leave a sad after influence to destroy
self-respect or bar the way to usefulness. If
they can take Jesus with them and maintain
a prayerful spirit, they are perfectly safe."-
The Adventist Home,
page 513.
3.
Health reform is an intelligent selection
of the most healthful articles of food pre-
pared in the most healthful, simplest form.
4.
Righteousness is more than eating and
drinking. Some people may lose their souls
while sitting as judges of other men's diet.
Lesson 7, for February 13, 1954
The Christian's Possessions
MEMORY VERSE:
"Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought
nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having
food and raiment let us be therewith content." 1 Tim. 6:6-8.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies," vol. 1, pp. 170-178; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages
351, 352 (new ed., pp. 354, 355).
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les-
son, following the outline.
2.
Key Thought; Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-8.
4.
Read suggested lesson helps.
5.
Ques. 9-11.
6.
Ques. 12, 13; Conclusions and Con-
,
victions.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I.
God's Plan for Saving Men
1.. The plan set forth.
2.
By preaching.
3.
God's people provide the means.
II. God's Ownership
1.
By creation.
2.
By redemption.
3.
Everything belongs to God.
4.
God gives power to get wealth.
III. God's Plan for the Support of His
Work
1.
Gospel support.
2.
The tithe.
3.
Tithepayers.
4.
Tithe paying endorsed by Jesus.
5.
God's blessing bestowed.
6.
Faithful stewardship.
[ 23 ]
Key Thoughts:
"A character formed according to the di-
vine likeness is the only treasure that we can
take from this world to the next. . . . How
important, then, is the development of char-
acter in this
life."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 332 (new ed., p. 335).
"God also entrusts men with means. He
gives them power to get wealth.... And He
asks for a return of His own. Our money
has not been given us that we might honor
and glorify ourselves. As faithful stewards
we are to use it for the honor and glory of
God."—Ibid.,
p. 351.
" 'The tithe . . .
is
the Lord's.' . . . 'The
seventh day
is
the Sabbath of the Lord thy
God.' God reserved to Himself a specified
portion of man's time and of his means, and
no man could, without guilt, appropriate
either for his own
interests."—Patriarchs and
Frophets,
pages 525, 526.
THE LESSON
God's Plan for Saving Men
1.
How is God's plan to save men
set forth? Matt. 28:19, 20;
Mark 16:15;
Rev. 14:6.
NotE.—"To Christ's followers today, no
less than to the first disciples, these words
are spoken:
" 'All power is given unto Me in heaven
and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach
all nations.' Go ye into all the, world, and
preach the gospel to every creature.'
"—
The Ministry of Healing,
page 106.
2.
By what method has God chosen
to do all this? Rom. 10:13-15;
1 Cor.
1:17-23.
3.
What ancient example do we
have of God's people providing the
means for His work? Ex. 35:4-10;
36:5-7;
1 Chron. 29:2, 3, 6, 9.
NorE.—"When the people of God were
about to build the sanctuary in the wilder-
ness, extensive preparations were necessary.
Costly materials were collected, and among
them was much gold and silver. As the
rightful owner of all their treasures, the
Lord called for these offerings from the peo-
ple; but He accepted only those that were
given freely. The people offered willingly,
until word was brought to Moses: 'The
people bring much more than enough for
the service of the work, which the Lord
commanded to
make."'—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 268.
God's Ownership
4.
On what original basis is God's
ownership founded? Gen. 1:1;
Ps.
33:6, 9.
5.
What additional claim does God
have to the world? 1 Peter 1:18, 19;
Eph. 1:14.
.6. How much of the earth belongs
to God? Ps. 24:1; 50:10-12;
Hag. 2:8.
NOTE.-"All
the good that man enjoys
comes because of the mercy of God. He is
the great and bountiful Giver. His love is
manifest to all in the abundant •provision
made for
man."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 385.
7. In acquiring means, what should
man remember? Deut. 8:18;
Matt.
25:14; 1 Cor. 4:7.
NoTE.—"God also entrusts men with
[ 24 ]
means. He gives their' power to get wealth.
. . . Our money has not been given us that
we might honor and glorify ourselves. . . .
All we possess is the Lord's, and we are '
accountable to Him for the use we make of
it. In the use of every penny it will be seen
whether we love God supremely and our
neighbor as ourselves."—Christ's
Object Les-
sons,
page 351 (new ed., p. 354).
God's Plan for the Support
of His Work
8.
What
is God's plan for the sup-
port of His work to evangelize the
world? 1 Cor. 9:7, 13, 14;
Prov. 3:9.
NoTE.—"God's chosen messengers, who
are engaged in aggressive labor, should never
be compelled to go a warfare at their own
charges, unaided by the sympathetic and
hearty support of their brethren. . . . Is not
the work of disseminating truth, and leading
souls to Christ, of more importance than any
ordinary business? And are not those who
faithfully engage in this work justly entitled
to ample remuneration? By our estimate of
the relative value of labor for moral and for
physical good, we show our appreciation of
the heavenly in contrast with the earthly."—
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 340,341.
9.
What special portion of Israel's
income did God claim, and how was
it used? Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:21.
10.
Name some ancient examples
of those who paid a tithe of their
increase. Heb. 7:1, 2; Gen. 28:20-22.
11.
With what words did Jesus en-
dorse the tithe system? Matt. 23:23.
12.
What blessing does God prom-
ise to bestow on those who bring all
the tithe into the storehouse? Mal.
3:10, 11.
Nora.—"The Lord created every tree in
Eden pleasant to the eyes and good for food,
and He bade Adam and Eve freely enjoy His
bounties. But He made one exception. Of
the tree of knowledge of good and evil they
were not to eat. This tree God reserved as a
constant reminder of His ownership of all.
Thus He gave them opportunity to demon-
strate their faith and trust in Him by their
perfect obedience to His requirements.
"So it is with God's claims upon us. He
places His treasures in the hands of men, but
requires that one tenth shall be faithfully laid
aside for His work. He requires this portion
to be placed in His treasury. It is to be ren-
dered to Him as His own; it is sacred, and
is to be used for sacred purposes, for the
support of those who carry the message of
salvation to all parts of the world. . . . By
faithfully obeying this requirement we ac-
knowledge that all belongs to
God."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 6, p. 386.
13.
What is required of stewards?
1 Cor. 4:2;
Luke 16:1-3.
NOTE.—"Every Christian is a steward of
God, entrusted with His goods.... A steward
25
identifies himself with his master. He ac-
cepts the responsibilities of a steward, and
he must act in his master's stead, doing as
his master would do were he presiding. His
Master's interests become his. The position of
a steward is one of dignity because his mas-
ter trusts
him."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 246.
Conclusions and Convictions
1.
God's plan for the saving of the lost
embraces the whole world.
2.
God's ownership is based on creation
and redemption.
3.
In God's plan for the support of His
work, He calls upon His people to be faithful
stewards.
Lesson 8, for February 20, 1954
The Christian's Time
MEMORY VERSE:
"The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou
shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant,
nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates."
Exodus
20:10.
STUDY HELPS:
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 342-346 (new ed.,
pp.
345-349);
"Testimonies," vol. 3, p. 146; vol. 4, p. 412.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les-
son, following the outline.
2.
Ques. 1-5.
3.
Ques. 6-8.
4.
Read suggested study helps.
5.
Ques. 9-11.
6.
Ques. 12-14; Conclusions and Con-
victions.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
,
I. Allocation of Our Time
1.
A time for everything.
2.
A time to work.
3.
A time to relax.
4.
A time to sleep.
5.
A time to pray.
II. The Sabbath Is God's Time
1. The Sabbath instituted.
2.
The Sabbath sanctified.
3.
Man's relation to the Sabbath.
III. God's Memorial a Sign
1.
A perpetual memorial.
2.
A sign of sanctification.
3.
Christ the Lord of the Sabbath.
IV. The Test and Blessing of Obedience
1. The third-angel's message.
2.
The question of obedience.
3.
The blessings of obedience.
Key Thought:
"Our time belongs to God. Every moment
is His, and we are under the most solemn
obligation to improve it to His glory. Of no
talent He has given will He require a more
strict account than of our time.
"The value of time is beyond computation.
Christ regarded every moment as precious,
and it is thus that we should regard it. Life
is too short to be trifled away. We have but
a few days of probation in which to prepare
for eternity. We have no time to waste,, no
time to devote to selfish pleasure, no time for
the indulgence of sin. It is now that we are
to form characters for the future, immortal
life. It is now that we are to prepare for the
searching judgment."—Christ's
Object Les-
sons,
page 342 (new ed., pp. 345, 346)—
[26]
IE
DO THE RADIO AND
THE TV SETS KNOW
WHEN THE SABBATH COMES
IN
OUR HOMES?
THE LESSON
Allocation of Our
Time
1.
What does the wise man say re-
garding the allocation of time? Eccl.
3:1-8.
NOTE.
"Our
time belongs to God. Every
moment is His, and we are under the most
solemn obligation to improve it to His
glory. Of no talent He has given will He
require a more strict account than of our
time.
"The value of time is beyond computa-
tion. Christ regarded every moment as
precious, and it is thus that we should re-
gard it. Life is too short to be trifled away.
We have but a few days of probation in
which to prepare for eternity. We have no
time to waste, no time to devote to selfish
pleasure, no time for the indulgence of sin."
—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 342.
2.
What does God say about a time
for work? Ex. 20:9;
Eccl. 9:10.
NoTE.—"God gave Adam and Eve em-
ployment. . . . They learned how to till the
soil and to care for the things which the Lord
had planted. They did not regard labor as
degrading, but as a great blessing. . . . God
never meant that man should have nothing
to do. . . . Labor is to human beings what
they make it. . . . Heart and soul are to be
put into work of any kind; then there is
cheerfulness and efficiency. . . . Faithfulness
in the discharge of every duty makes the
work noble, and reveals a character that God
can
approve."—Fundamentals of Christian
Education,
pages 314, 315.
3.
What was Christ's instruction to
His weary disciples concerning a time
of rest? Mark 6:31.
Compare Ps.
46:10, first part.
NoTEs.—"He [Christ]
saw, too, that they
had become weary in their labors, and that
they needed to rest."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 359.
"He did not urge upon His disciples the
necessity of ceaseless
toil."—I bid.,
p. 361.
4.
How can sleep be either a bless-
ing or a curse? Eccl. 5:12; Prov. 6:9-11;
24:33, 34; 3:24.
NorE.—"The bright morning hours are
wasted by many in bed. These precious
hours, once lost, are gone never to return;
they are lost for time and for eternity. Only
one hour lost each day, and what a waste. of
time in the course of a year! Let the slum-
berer think of this and pause to consider
how he will give an account to God for lost
opportunities."—Testimonies, vol. 4,
p.
412.
5.
What example did Jesus set us
in finding time to pray? Matt. 14:23;
Luke 6:12; 18:1; 11:1-4.
NOTE.—"Have a place for secret prayer.
. . . We need often to retire to some spot,
however humble, where we can be alone
[ 27 ]
with
God."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
page 125.
The Sabbath Is God's Time
6.
At the close of creation what did
God do? Gen. 2:1, 2;
Ex. 20:11.
7.
After resting on the seventh day,
how did God set it apart? Gen. 2:3.
NOTE.—After
resting
upon the seventh
day, God
sanctified
it, or set it apart as a
day of rest for man.
"In Eden, God set up
the memorial
of His
work of creation, in placing His blessing
upon the seventh
day."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 48.
8.
How should we regard God's
time? Ex. 20:10;
Isa. 58:13, 14.
NorEs.—"God saw that a Sabbath was es-
sential for man, even in Paradise. He needed
to lay aside his own interests and pursuits for
one day of the seven, that he might more
fully contemplate the works of God, and
meditate upon His power and goodness. He
needed a Sabbath, to remind him more
vividly of God, and to awaken gratitude
because all that he enjoyed and possessed
came from the beneficent hand of the Cre-
ator. God designs that the Sabbath shall
direct the minds of men to the contempla-
tion of His created
works."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 48.
God reserved to Himself a specified por-
tion of man's money—one tenth, the tithe;
and of his time—one seventh, the Sabbath.
No man can without guilt appropriate either
for his own interests or use.
God's Memorial a Sign
9.
How long will God's memorial
endure? Ps. 135:13;
Isa. 66:22, 23;
Ex. 31:16, 17.
NOTE.—"The Sabbath was not for Israel
merely, but for the world. It had been made
known to man in Eden, and, like the other
precepts of the Decalogue, it is of imperish-
able obligation. Of that law of which the
fourth commandment forms a part, Christ
declares, 'Till heaven and earth pass, one jot
or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the
law.' So long as the heavens and the earth
endure, the Sabbath will continue as a sign
of the Creator's power. And when Eden
shall bloom on earth again, God's holy rest
day will be honored by all beneath the sun.
`From one Sabbath to another' the inhabit-
ants of the glorified new earth shall go up
'to worship before Me, saith the Lord.'
Matt. 5:18; Isa.
66:23."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 283.
10.
Of what is the seventh-day Sab-
bath also a sign? Ezek. 20:12;
Ex.
31:13-17.
NorE.—"All who regard the Sabbath as a
sign between them and God, showing that
He is the God who sanctifies them, will
represent the principles of His government.
They will bring into daily practice the laws
of His kingdom. Daily it will be their prayer
that the sanctification of the Sabbath may
rest upon them. Every day they will have
the companionship of Christ and will exem-
plify the perfection of His
character."—Tes-
timonies,
vol. 6, pp. 353, 354.
11.
How did Jesus, the Lord of the
Sabbath, make clear how the Sabbath
is to be observed? Matt. 12:8-12;
Mark
3:1-5.
The Test and Blessing of Obedience
12.
What warning message is borne
to the world by the third angel of
Revelation 14? Rev. 14:9-12.
13.
How is the ultimate question of
obedience to be settled? Acts 5:29.
[ 28 ]
NoTEs.-"Every man will be tested.
Obe-
dience
or
disobedience
is the question to be
decided by the whole world. All will be
called to choose between the law of God and
the laws of men. Here the dividing line will
be drawn."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 763.
"The Sabbath will be the great test of
loyalty; for it is the point of truth especially
controverted. When the final test shall be
brought to bear upon men, then the line of
distinction will be drawn between those who
serve God and those who serve Him not."-
The Great Controversy,
page 605.
14. What blessings are to be en-
joyed by those who observe the Sab-
bath? Isa. 58:13, 14;
56:6,
7.
Conclusions and Convictions
1.
Our days and years are limited. There-
fore "teach us to number our days." (Ps.
90:10, 12.)
2.
Time is the substance out of which life
is made. Time must be used, not saved. When
lost it can never be recalled.
3.
The seventh-day Sabbath is God's por-
tion of the time He gives to man. The use
you make of that time is a measure of your
love and loyalty to God.
Lesson 9, for February 27, 1954
The Christian's Home and Family
MEMORY VERSE:
"If it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day
whom ye will serve: ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Joshua 24:15.
STUDY HELP:
"The Adventist Home," pages 15-28.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les-
son, following the outline.
2.
Key Thought; Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4, 5; read part of suggested
study help.
4.
Ques. 6-10.
5.
Ques. 11-13.
6.
Ques. 14, 15; read remaining part
of study help; Conclusions and
Convictions.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Home Is of God's Planning
1.
God established the home.
2.
The ideal wife and mother.
3.
Proper relations between husband
and wife.
II. God's Ideal of a Home
1.
The home of Adam and Eve.
2.
The home life of Jesus.
III. Counsel for Parents
1.
Love one another.
2.
"Fathers, provoke not your chil-
dren."
3.
Results of neglect.
4.
Instruction of children.
5.
Christ's estimate of children.
IV. Counsel for Children
1.
Obedience and filial piety.
2.
Best behavior in the home.
3.
Accepting Jesus' invitation.
V. The Influence of a Christian Home
1.
Maintaining a happy home.
2.
Abraham's example.
Key Thoughts:
"Society is composed of families, and is
what the heads of families make it. Out of
the heart are the issues of life;' and the
heart of the community, of the church, and
of the nation, is the household. The well-
being of society, the success of the church,
the prosperity of the nation, depend upon
29 ]
home influences."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 349.
"One well-ordered, well-disciplined fam-
ily tells more in behalf of Christianity than
all the sermons that can be preached. Such a
family gives evidence that the parents have
been successful in following God's directions,
and that their children will serve Him in the
church."—The
Adventist Home,
page 32.
"The greatest evidence of the power of
Christianity that can be presented to the
world is a well-ordered, well-disciplined
family. This will recommend the truth as
nothing else can, for it is a living witness of
its practical power upon the
heart."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 4, p. 304.
THE LESSON
The Home Is of God's Planning
1.
How, when, and by whom was
the home established? Matt. 19:4-6;
Gen. 1:28, 29.
NOTE.—"God made from the man a
woman, to be a companion and helpmeet
for him, to be one with him, to cheer, en-
courage, and bless him, he in his turn to be
her strong helper. All who enter into matri-
monial relations with a holy purpose—the
husband to obtain the pure affections of
a woman's heart, the wife to soften and
improve her husband's character and give
it completeness—fulfill God's purpose for
them."—The
Adventist Home,
page 99.
2.
What is God's ideal for a wife
and mother? Proverbs 31:10-12, 26-28.
3.
What is the proper relationship
between husbands and wives? Eph.
5:22-31;
Col. 3:16-19.
NOTES.—"Neither the husband nor the
wife should attempt to exercise over the
other an arbitrary control. Do not try to
compel each other to yield to your wishes.
You cannot do this and retain each other's
love. Be kind, patient, and forbearing, con-
siderate, and courteous. By the grace of God
you can succeed in making each other happy,
as in your marriage vow you promised to
do."--The Adventist Home,
page 118.
"It was not the design of God that the
husband should have control, as head of the
house, when he himself does not submit to
Christ. He must be under the rule of Christ
that he may represent the relation of Christ
to the church. If he is a coarse, rough,
boisterous, egotistical, harsh, and overbear-
ing man, let him never utter the word that
the husband is the head of the wife, and that
she must submit to him in everything. . . .
The husband is to be as a Saviour in his
family."—Ibid., p. 117.
God's Ideal of a Home
4.
What kind of home environment
did God choose for Adam and Eve?
Gen. 2:8.
5.
What glimpse is given of the
home life of Jesus? Luke 2:39, 40,
51, 52.
NOTE.—"Jesus . . . came as God's am-
bassador, to show us how to live so as to
secure life'
s best results. What were the con-
ditions chosen by the infinite Father for His
Son? A secluded home in the Galilean hills;
a household sustained by honest, self-re-
specting labor; a life of simplicity; daily
conflict with difficulty and hardship ; self-
sacrifice, economy, and patient, gladsome
service; the hour of study at His mother's
side, with the open scroll of Scripture ; the
quiet of dawn or twilight in the green valley ;
the holy ministries of nature; the' study of
creation and providence; and the soul's com-
munion with God,—these were the condi-
tions and opportunities of the early life
of
Jesus."—The Ministry of Healing,
pages
365, 366.
Doi
A TRUE CHRISTIAN HOME 15 THE
GREATEST
SERMON TO THE
WORLD.
Counsel for Parents
6.
What is the most important fac-
tor in binding the family together?
Col. 3:13-20;
Eph. 5:25.
Noms.—"From a worldly point of view,
money is power; but from the Christian
standpoint, love is power. . . . Pure love has
special efficacy to do good, and can do noth-
ing but good. It prevents discord and misery
and brings the truest happiness. .. . Parents,
give your children love: love in babyhood,
love in childhood, love in youth. Do not
give them frowns, but ever keep a sunshiny
countenance."—The
Adventist Home,
pages
195, 196.
7.
What special counsel is given to
fathers? Eph. 6:4;
Col.
3:21.
NOTE.—"The father of boys should come
into close contact with his sons, . . . talking
with them in such simplicity, and tenderness
that he binds them to his heart. . . . As the
priest of the household, he is accountable to
God for the 'influence that he exerts over
every member of the
family."—Counsels to
Parents and Teachers,
page 128.
8.
What happens when children are
'left alone? Prov. 29:15.
9.
What commandment did God
give to Israel concerning the instruc-
tion of their children? Deut. 6:4-9;
Ps. 78:4, 6.
10.
What high estimate does Jesus
place upon children? Matt. 18:2-6,
10, 14.
NOTE.—"Parents should explain and sim-
plify the plan of salvation to their children
that their young minds may comprehend it.
Children of eight, ten, or twelve Years are
old
enough to be addressed on the subject of per-
sonal religion. Do not teach your children
with reference to some future period when
they shall be old enough to repent and be-
lieve the truth. If properly instructed, very
young children may have correct views of
their state as sinners and of the way of sal-
vation through
Christ."—Testimonies, vol.
1,
p. 400.
Counsel for Children
11.
What two great principles are
always found in good and noble chil-
dren? Eph. 6:1-3; Ex. 20:12.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS IN BRAILLE
The senior Sabbath-school lessons, slightly condensed, are
published each quarter in Braille, and they are supplied free
to the blind upon request. Address: The Christian Record
Benevolent Association, Box 66, Lincoln 6, Nebraska.
[ 31 ]
12.
Where should children mani-
fest their best behavior?. 1 Tim. 5:4.
13.
What gracious and tender invi-
tation of Jesus should children heed?
Matt. 19:14.
The Influence of a Christian Home
14.
What is God's ideal for young
and old in maintaining a happy home?
Titus 2:2-9;
Eph. 4:31, 32.
15.
What worthy example did
Abraham set us in this regard? Gen.
18:19.
NOTE.
-"God
called Abraham to be a
teacher of His word, He chose him to be the
father of a great nation, because He saw that
Abraham would instruct his children and his
household in the principles of God's law.
And that which gave power to Abraham's
teaching was the influence of his own life.
His great household consisted of more than
a thousand souls, many of them heads of
families, and not a few but newly converted
from heathenism. Such a household required
a firm hand at the helm. No weak, vacillat-
ing methods would suffice. Of Abraham God
said, 'I know him, that he will command his
children and his household after him.' Gen.
18:19. Yet his authority was exercised with
such wisdom and tenderness that hearts were
won."-Education,
page 187.
Conclusions and Convictions
1.
To a large extent we are what our
homes have made us.
2.
A home, to be a Christian home, must
have Christ abiding there. Jesus makes the
difference.
3.
"Pleasant voices, gentle manners, and
sincere affection that finds expression in all
the actions, together with industry, neat-
ness, and economy, make even a hovel the
happiest of homes. The Creator regards such
a home with approbation."-The
Advent-
ist Home,
page 422.
4.
"In His wisdom the Lord has decreed
that the family shall be the greatest of all
educational agencies."-Counsels
to Parents
and Teachers,
page 107.
Lesson 10, for March 6, 1954
The Christian's Friends and Recreation
MEMORY VERSE:
"A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there
is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Prov.
18:24.
STUDY HELP:
"The Adventist Home," pages 403-430.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1. Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les-
5.
Read suggested lesson help.
son, following the outline.
6.
Ques. 11, 12; Conclusions and Con-
2.
Key Thought; Ques. 1-4.
victions.
3.
Ques. 5-7.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
4.
Ques. 8-10.
Lesson Outline:
I. We Must and Will Have Friends
1. Principles
in
Christian friendships.
[32
1
2.
The influence of friends.
3.
The secret of having friends.
4.
Be not yoked with unbelievers.
II. True Love the Basis of Friendship
1.
The foundation of true friendships.
2.
The sign of a true friend.
3.
The meaning of love.
4.
How to choose a life companion.
III. The Social Life of Jesus
1.
Jesus the wedding guest.
2.
Jesus the dinner guest.
3.
Jesus in the home of His friends.
IV. Christian Recreation
1.
Come apart and rest.
2.
Instruction to youth on recreation.
Key Thought:
"It is natural to seek companionship.
Everyone will find companions or make
them. And just in proportion to the strength
of the friendship, will be the amount of in-
fluence which friends will exert over one
another for good or for evil. All will have
associates, and will influence and be in-
fluenced in their turn.
"The link is a mysterious one which binds
human hearts together, so that the feelings,
tastes, and principles of two individuals are
closely blended. One catches the spirit, and
copies the ways and acts, of the other. As
wax retains the figure of the seal, so the
mind retains the impression produced by
intercourse and association. The influence
may be unconscious, yet it is no•less power-
ful."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 587.
THE LESSON
We Must and Will Have Friends
1. What basic principle should
guide the Christian in the forming
of his friendships? James 4:4;
Prov.
22:24; Rom. 14:7.
NorE.—"All will have associates and will
influence and be influenced in their turn.. ..
The company they keep, the principles they
adopt, the habits they form, will decide the
question of their usefulness here and of
their future destiny."—The
Adventist Home,
page 455.
2. What are some of the results of
association? Prov. 13:20;
1 Cor. 15:33.
NorE.—"It is inevitable that the youth
will haire associates, and they will necessarily
feel their influence. There are mysterious
links that bind souls together so that the
heart of one answers to the heart of another.
One catches the ideas, the sentiments, the
spirit, of another. This association may be
a blessing or a curse. . . . It has been truly
said, 'Show me your company, and I will
show you your character. "
—The Adventist
Home,
pages 455, 456.
3.
What is the secret of having
friends? Prov. 18:24.
NorEs.—Remember, "the best friend to
have is Jesus." "Make Christ first and last
and best in everything."
"As the social and generous impulses are
repressed, they wither, and the heart be-
comes desolate and cold. . . . Love cannot
long exist without expression. Let not the
heart of one connected with you starve for
the want of kindness and sympathy."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 360.
4.
What care should be exercised in
the selection of lasting friendships?
2 Cor. 6:14;
Amos 3:3.
NOTE.—"We are not to associate with
the ungodly and partake of their spirit, for
they will lead the heart away from God to
the worship of false gods."—The
Adventist
Home,
page 459.
True Love the Basis of Friendship
5.
What was the foundation of Da-
vid and Jonathan's friendship? 1 Sam.
18:1, 4.
[
33
]
WHICH WAY DO YOUR FRIENDS
WANT YOU TO
GO?
NOTE.—"Love
will not be a mere ex-
change of soft and flattering words. . . .
Heart will be bound to heart in the golden
bonds of a love that is enduring."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 362.
6.
What is the sign of a true friend?
Prov. 17:17;
Ruth 1:16-18.
NOTE.—"Those
who are themselves 'com-
passed with infirmity' should be able to
`have compassion on the ignorant, and on
them that are out of the way.' Heb. 5:2.
Having been in peril themselves, they are
acquainted with the dangers and difficulties
of the way, and for this reason are called to
reach out for others in like peril. There are
souls perplexed with doubt, burdened with
infirmities, weak in faith, and unable to
grasp the Unseen; but a friend whom they
can see, coming to them in Christ's stead,
can be a connecting link to fasten their
trembling faith upon Christ."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 297.
7.
What is the real meaning of
love? 1 Cor. 13:4-8.
Nom—Here are some questions to ask in
choosing a lifelong friend:
"Is your fiancé (or fiancée) usually happy,
cheerful, and optimistic? . . .
"Can he discuss controversial questions
without indulging in heated arguments?
"Are his emotions stable?
"Is he conservative in matters of morals,
politics, and finance?
"Does he co-operate easily with others
and work smoothly with his superiors?
"Is he benevolent toward his inferiors
and does he delight in assisting the under-
privileged?
"Is he able to receive advice graciously?
"Does he give careful attention to the de-
tails of his daily work?
"Is he willing to take responsibility, and
has he succeeded thus far in his business ven-
tures and enterprises?
"Is he fond of children?
"Is he religious and is his religion the same
as yours?
"Do you love him in spite of his faults? ...
"Do you take pride in your fiance?"—
Harold Shryock, M.D.,
Happiness for Hus- •
bands and Wives,
page 28.
The Social Life of Jesus Our Example
8.
Under what circumstances was
the first miracle performed by Christ?
John 2:1-11.
NOTE.—"In the festal hall where friends
and kindred rejoice together, Christ be-
gan His public ministry."—The
Ministry of
Healing,
page 356.
9.
What other instances are re-
corded of the social life of Jesus? Luke
19:1
-
10;
Matt. 9:9-13.
NOTE.—"The
entertainment was given in
honor of Jesus, and He did not hesitate to
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him
give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful
giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7.
[34]
accept the courtesy. . . . Jesus sat as an
honored guest at the table of the publicans,
by His sympathy and social kindliness show-
ing that He recognized the dignity of hu-
manity; and men longed to become worthy
of His confidence."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 274.
10.
In whose home was Jesus a
frequent guest? Luke 10:38-42;
John
11:1-6, 21, 34-36.
NOTE.—"What a busy life He led! Day by
day He might have been seen entering the
humble abodes of want and sorrow, speaking
hope to the downcast, and peace to the dis-
tressed. Gracious, tenderhearted, pitiful, He
went about lifting up the bowed-down and
comforting the sorrowful. Wherever He
went, He carried blessing.
"While He ministered to the poor, Jesus
studied also to find ways of reaching the
rich. He sought the acquaintance of the
wealthy and cultured Pharisee, the Jewish
nobleman, and the Roman ruler. He accepted
their invitations, attended their feasts, made
Himself familiar with their interests and oc-
cupations, that He might gain access to their
hearts, and reveal to them the imperishable
riches."—The
Ministry of Healing,
pages
24, 25.
Christian Recreation
11.
How did Christ teach His dis-
ciples that they could not and should
not work all the time? Mark 6:31.
NOTE.—"Christ is full of tenderness and
compassion for all in His service. He would
show His disciples that God does not require
sacrifice, but mercy. . . .
"The rest which Christ and His disciples
took was not self-indulgent rest. The time
they spent in retirement was not devoted to
pleasure making. . . . It is not wise to be
always under the strain of work and excite-
ment, even in ministering to man's spiritual
needs; for in this way personal piety is neg-
lected, and the powers of mind and soul and
body are overtaxed."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 360-362.
12.
In all our enjoyment, what
should we remember? Eccl. 11:9, 10;
12:1.
NOTES.—"It is the privilege and duty of
Christians to seek to refresh their spirits and
invigorate their bodies by innocent recre-
ation."—The
Adventist Home,
page 493.
"Our recreations should not be scenes of
senseless mirth, taking the form of the non-
sensical. We can conduct them in such a
manner as will benefit and elevate those with
whom we associate, and better qualify us
and them to more successfully attend to the
duties devolving upon us as Christians."
—Ibid.
"Recreation is needful to those who are
engaged in physical labor and is still more
essential for those whose labor is principally
mental."—Ibid., p. 494.
Conclusions and Convictions
1.
It is right and proper for Christians
to have friends, but let them be
Christian
friends.
2.
It is entirely proper for Christians to
have recreation, but let it be
Christian recre-
ation.
3.
Jesus was social to save—so may we be.
4.
There are certain kinds of people with
whom Christians cannot associate. There
are certain types of recreation in which the
Christian cannot engage.
5.
What would Jesus do? Christians are
safe in doing as Jesus would do.
The senior "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" is published in
the following foreign languages: Bohemian, Danish-Norwegian,
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Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Yugoslavian. Write to the Inter-
national Branch of the Pacific Press at Brookfield, Illinois, for any
of these quarterlies for the strangers within your gates.
33-1
Lesson 11, for March 13, 1954
The Christian and His Church
MEMORY VERSE:
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but
fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are- built
upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being
the chief Cornerstone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth
unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for
an habitation of God through the Spirit." Eph. 2:19-22.
STUDY HELP:
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 309-345 (new ed., pp. 315-349).
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les- 4. Ques. 7-9.
son, following the outline.
5. Ques. 10-12.
2.
Key Thought; Ques. 1-4.
6. Read remainder of study help; Con-
3.
Ques. 5, 6; read portion of suggested
clusions and Convictions.
study help.
7. Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Meaning of "The Church"
1.
The church in the Old Testament.
2.
The church in the New Testament.
3.
Called out of the world.
4.
Regard for the church of God.
II. Joining the Church
1.
Becoming a member of God's church.
2.
The process of regeneration.
III. The Work of the Church
1.
God's purpose for His church in Old
Testament times.
2.
The chief service of the church.
3.
"Ye are My witnesses."
IV. The Support of the Church
1.
God's basic plan.
2.
Example of liberality.
3.
Cheerful givers.
Key Thought:
"During ages of spiritual darkness, the
church of God has been as a city set on a hill.
From age to age, through successive genera-
tions, the pure doctrines of heaven have been
unfolding within its borders. Enfeebled and
defective as it may appear, the church is the
one object upon which God bestows in a
special sense His supreme regard. It is the
theater of His grace, in which He delights to
reveal His power to transform hearts."-
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 12.
THE LESSON
The Meaning of "The Church"
1.
What was the assembly of God's
people called in Old Testament times?
Deut. 5:22; Acts 7:38; Ezra 10:12.
2.
How were these assemblies desig-
nated in the New Testament? Acts
11:26; 14:27;
1 Cor. 14:23; 1 Thess.
1:1; 1 Peter 2:9, 10.
NOTE.
-Som
eone has said, "The church is
never a place, but always a people; never a
fold, but always a flock; never a sacred
building, but always a believing assembly.
The church is you who pray, not where you
pray." The church is an assembly or society
or community of called-out-ones.
3.
What experience must come to
all who become members of "the
church"? 2 Cor. 6:16-18;
Rev. 18:4;
Rom. 1:6, 7.
[
36]
)
IF
WHAT DOES THE CHURCH MEAN TO
YOU AS MEASURED BY
YOUR GIFTS ?
4. With what regard should the
house of the Lord and the congre-
gation of His people be held? Lev.
19:30; Matt. 18:17;
1 Tim. 3:15; 1 Cor.
12:25-27.
NOTE.—"Christ
designs that heaven's or-
der, heaven's plan of government, heaven's
divine harmony, shall be represented in His
church on earth. Thus in His people He is
glorified. Through them the Sun of Right-
eousness will shine in undimmed luster to
the world."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 680.
Joining the Church
5. How does a man become a mem-
ber of God's church? Acts 2:41, 47;
16:31-34.
NOTE.—The
steps by which one becomes
a Christian and a full member of the church
are outlined in the Bible as follows:
a.
Come to Christ. Matt. 11:28.
b.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ."
Acts 16:31-34.
c.
Repent—be converted. Acts 3:19.
d.
Be baptized. Acts 2:38.
e.
Old man must be crucified. Rom. 6:6.
f.
Become dead to sin, alive unto God.
Rom. 6:11.
g.
Be free from sin and become servant of
righteousness. Rom. 6:17, 18.
h.
This brings holiness 'and everlasting
life. Rom. 6:22, 23.
i.
This makes him a member of "the
household of God." Eph. 2:19.
6. How does Paul describe the proc-
ess of regeneration? Rom. 12:1, 2.
NOTE.—Ro
.
m.
12:1, 2. The Christian's
consecration.
The appeal—"I beseech you."
The act—To "present your bodies."
The sacrifice—"A living sacrifice, holy, ac-
ceptable."
The reason—"Your reasonable service."
The method—"Be not conformed to this
world."
"Be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind."
The result—"That ye may prove what is
that good, and acceptable, and per-
fect, will of God."
The Work of the ChurCh
7.
What was God's purpose for
His church in Old Testament times?
Gen. 12:1
-
3.
Compare Ezek. 34:26,
29-31.
NoTE.—"God's church is the court of holy
life, filled with varied gifts, and endowed
with the Holy Spirit. The members are to
find their happiness in the happiness of those
whom they help and bless.
"Wonderful is the work which the Lord
designs to accomplish through His church,
that His name may be glorified. . . . From
the beginning God has wrought through His
people to bring blessing to the world."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 12, 13.
8.
What is the chief service the
church must render to the world?
Matt. 28:19, 20;
Isa. 56:7.
[
37]
NOTE.—"The church is God's appointed
agency for the salvation of men. It was or-
ganized for service, and its mission is to
carry the gospel to the world. From the be-
ginning it has been God's plan that through
His church shall be reflected to the world His
fullness and His sufficiency. The members of
the church, those whom He has called out of
darkness into His marvelous light, are to
show forth His glory. The church is the
repository of the riches of the grace of
Christ; and through the church will even-
tually be made manifest, even to 'the princi-
palities and powers in heavenly places,' the
final and full display of the love of God."—
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 9.
9.
What are we as members of
God's church to be and do? Isa. 43:10-
12;
42:6,7; 49:8, 9.
NOTE.—"The church is God's fortress, His
city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted
world. . . . From the beginning, faithful
souls have constituted the church on earth.
In every age the Lord has had His watch-
men, who have borne a faithful testimony to
the generation in which they lived. . . . God
brought these witnesses into covenant rela-
tion with Himself, uniting the church on
earth with the church in heaven."—The
Acts
of the Apostles,
page 11.
The Support of the Church
10.
What basic plan does God
have, to provide for His house? Mal.
3:10-12.
NOTE.—"As to the amount required, God
has specified one tenth of the increase. This
is left to the conscience and benevolence of
men, whose judgment in this tithing system
should have free play. And while it is left
free to the conscience, a plan has been laid
out definite enough for all. No compulsion is
required."—Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 394.
11.
What example of liberality do
we find in the early apostolic church?
Acts 4:32-35;
2 Cor. 8:1-5, 7.
NOTE.—"This liberality on the part of the
believers was the result of the outpouring of
the Spirit. . . . One common interest con-
trolled them,—the success of the mission en-
trusted to them; and covetousness had no
place in their lives. Their love for their
brethren and the cause they had espoused,
was greater than their love of money and
possessions. Their works testified that they
accounted the souls of men of higher value
than earthly wealth. . . . Money, time, in-
fluence,—all the gifts they have received
from God's hand, they will value only as a
means of advancing the work of the gospel."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 70, 71.
12.
In what spirit should our gifts
to God
be
made? 2 Cor. 9:5-7;
Luke
6:38.
NoTE.—"Unselfish liberality threw the
early church into a transport of joy; for
the believers knew that their efforts were
helping to send the gospel message to those
in darkness. Their benevolence testified that
they had not received the grace of God in
vain. What could produce such liberality
but the sanctification of the Spirit? In the
eyes of believers and unbelievers it was a
miracle of grace.
"Spiritual prosperity is closely bound up
with Christian liberality. The followers of
Christ should rejoice in the privilege of re-
vealing in their lives the beneficence of their
Redeemer. As they give to the Lord, they
have the assurance that their treasure is
going before them to the heavenly courts."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 344.
Conclusions and Convictions
1.
It is a great privilege to be a Christian
and a part of the Christian church.
2.
This privilege also carries with it cer-
tain very definite responsibilities and duties.
3.
The real Christian never thinks of how
much he can
get
out of his church, but rather
how much he can
give
to his church.
4.
"Not until God ceases to bless His chil-
dren will they cease to be under bonds to
return to Him the portion that He claims."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 339.
5.
"God has made the proclamation of the
gospel dependent upon the labors and the
gifts of His people. Voluntary offerings and
[ 38 ]
the tithe constitute the revenue of the Lord's
work. Of the means entrusted to man, God
claims a certain portion,-the tenth. He
leaves all free to say whether or not they
will give more than this. . . . Should means
flow into the treasury in accordance with
this divinely appointed plan,-a tenth of
all the increase, and liberal offerings,-there
would be an abundance for the advancement
of the Lord's work."-/bid., pp. 74, 75.
Lesson 12, for March 20, 1954
The Christian and His Community
MEMORY VERSE:
"Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared
for you from the foundation of the world: for I was anhungered, and ye
gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye
took Me
in:
naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me:
I
was in
prison, and ye came unto Me." Matt. 25:34-36.
STUDY HELP:
"Welfare Ministry," pgges 29-42.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les-
5. Ques. 12-14.
son, following the outline.
6. Read selections from suggested study
2.
Key Thought; Ques. 1-3.
help; Conclusions and Convictions.
3.
Ques. 4-7.
7. Review the entire lesson.
4.
Ques. 8-11.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Christian's Influence in His
Community
1.
God's children to be lights.
2.
Living to the glory of God.
3.
Abounding in good works.
II. Alleviating Poverty and Suffering
1.
Attitude toward the poor.
2.
God's plan for alleviating poverty
and suffering.
3.
More blessed to give.
4.
A curse follows failure to give.
III. The Christian's Responsibility for
Others
1. Am I
my brother's keeper?
2.
Ye have done it unto Me.
3.
Christ's mission.
4.
Influence of Christian welfare work.
IV. Be Ye Kind
1.
Christ's method.
2.
Who is my neighbor?
3.
Promise to those who show kindness.
Key Thought:
"Sin has extinguished the love that God
placed in man's heart. The work of the
church is to rekindle this love. The church
is to co-operate with God by uprooting
selfishness from the human heart, placing in
its stead the benevolence that was in man's
heart in his original state of perfection."-
Welfare Ministry,
page 14.
THE LESSON
The Christian's Influence in
His Community
1. What are God's children to be
to the community? Matt. 5:14-16;
Phil. 2:15.
NOTE.
-"All
who are consecrated to God
will be channels of light. God makes them
His agents to communicate to others the
riches of His grace. His promise is, 'I will
make them and the places round about My
hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower
[39]
THE CHURCH IS
TO BE THE.
GOSPEL OF CHRIST
IN ACTION.
to come down in his season; there shall be
showers of blessing.' Ezek. 34:26.
"Philip said to Nathanael, 'Come and see.'
He did not ask him to accept another's testi-
mony, but to behold Christ for himself. Now
that Jesus has ascended to heaven, His dis-
ciples are His representatives among men,
and one of the most effective ways of win-
ning souls to Him is in exemplifying His
character in our daily life. Our influence
upon others depends not so much upon what
we say as upon what we
are."—The Desire
of Ages,
pages 141, 142.
2.
What will be the Christian's in-
fluence? 1 Peter 2:9, 12.
3.
In what will the Christian
be
fruitful? Col. 1:10;
2 Cor. 9:8.
NoTE.—"As soon as she had found the
Saviour the Samaritan woman brought oth-
ers to Him. She proved herself a more ef-
fective missionary than His own disciples.
The disciples saw nothing in Samaria to
indicate that it was an encouraging field.
Their thoughts were fixed upon a great work
to be done in the future. They did not see
that right around them was a harvest to be
gathered. But through the woman whom
they despised, a whole cityful were brought
to hear the Saviour. She carried the light at
once to her countrymen.
"This woman represents the working of a
practical faith in Christ. Every true disciple
is born into the kingdom of God as a mis-
sionary. He who drinks of the living water
becomes a fountain of life. The receiver be-
comes a giver. The grace of Christ in the
soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up
to refresh all, and making those who are
ready to perish eager to drink of the water
of life."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 195.
Alleviating Poverty and Suffering
4.
What instruction concerning the
poor has the Lord given? Deut. 15:11;
John 12:8.
NOTE.—"There are many who complain of
God because the world is so full of want and
suffering, but God never meant that this
misery should exist. He never meant that
one man should have an abundance of the
luxuries of life while the children of others
cry for bread. The Lord is a God of be-
nevolence."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 273.
5.
How does God further instruct
His children in the alleviation of pov-
erty and suffering? Isa. 58:7;
Matt.
25:35, 36.
NOTE.—"The Lord has made ample pro-
vision for all. He has given to thousands of
men large supplies with which to alleviate
the want of their fellows; but those whom
God has made stewards have not stood the
'test, for they have failed to relieve the suf-
fering and the needy. . . . If men would
do their duty as faithful stewards of their
Lord's goods, there would be no cry for
bread, none suffering in destitution, none
naked and in
want."—Welfare Ministry,
page
16.
6.
What is the reward of true be-
nevolence? Acts 20:35;
Matt. 5:7.
[ 40 ]
NOTE.—"While the world needs sympathy,
while it needs the prayers and assistance of
God's people, while it needs to see Christ in
the lives of His followers, the people of God
are equally in need of opportunities that
draw out their sympathies, give efficiency to
their prayers, and develop in them a charac-
ter like that of the divine pattern."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 6, p. 261.
7.
What is said of those who fail
to use their means in harmony with
God's plan? James 5:1-6.
NOTE.—"It is because the rich neglect to
do the work for the poor that God designed
they should do, that they grow more proud,
more self-sufficient, more self-indulgent, and
hardhearted."—Welfare
Ministry,
page 19.
The Christian's Responsibility
for Others
8.
What lessons should we learn
from the experience of Cain? Gen.
4:9, 10;
1 John 3:11, 12.
Nora.—"God designs that the sick, the
unfortunate, those possessed of evil spirits,
shall hear His voice through us. Through His
human agents He desires to be a comforter,
such as the world has never before seen."—
Welfare Ministry,
page 22.
9.
In what way does Christ identify
Himself with the poor and needy?
Matt. 25:40.
Compare Prov. 19:17.
NoTE.—"Christ's servants are His repre-
sentatives, the channels for His working. He
desires through them to exercise His healing
power."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 823, 824.
10.
How did Christ state His mis-
sion? Luke 4:18, 19;
Mark 10:45.
Nozz.—"The world is in need of workers
who will labor as Christ did for the suffering
and the sinful. There is indeed a multitude
to be reached. The world is full of sickness,
suffering, distress, and sin. It is full of those
who need to be ministered unto—the weak,
the helpless, the ignorant, the degraded."—
Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 254.
11.
What are the far-reaching in-
fluences of Christian welfare work?
2 Cor. 9:11-14.
NOTE.—Phillips's translation reads thus:
"Your giving does not end in meeting the
wants of your fellow Christians. It also
results in an ever-flowing tide of thanks-
giving to God. Moreover, your very giving
proves the reality of your faith, and that
means that men thank God that you practice
the gospel."
Let the church beware lest it lose com-
pletely its most effective key to open the
hearts of non-Christians to the gospel.
"Be Ye Kind"
12.
What practical demonstration
of Christian service is revealed in the
ministry of Christ? Matt.
4:
2
3
-
25;
Mark 12:37, last part.
NOTE.—"Christ's way of presenting truth
cannot be improved upon. The Saviour gave
the cEsciples practical lessons, teaching them
how to work in such a way as to make souls
glad in the truth. He sympathized with the
weary, the heavy-laden, the oppressed. He
fed the hungry and healed the sick. Con-
stantly He went about doing good. By the
good He accomplished, by His loving words
and kindly deeds, He interpreted the gospel
to
men."—Welfare Ministry,
page 56.
13.
To whom should we be kind?
Luke 10:29-37;
6:27-36.
NoTE.
"He showed that our neighbor
[41]
does not mean merely one of the church or
faith to which we belong. It has no reference
to race, color, or class distinction. Our neigh-
bor is every person who needs our help."-
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 376 (new ed.,
pp. 381, 382).
14. What promises are given to
those who are actuated by a charitable
spirit? Isa. 58:7-11.
Conclusions and Convictions
1.
The Christian is placed in his com-
munity as a "light."
2.
The Christian lives in his community to
represent Christ to his neighbors.
3.
The reward for kindness in service
will be the blessing of God and an inherit-
ance in God's everlasting kingdom. (Matt.
25:34-36.)
Lesson 13, for March 27, 1954
The Christian and His Eternal Reward
MEMORY VERSE:
"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the
heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."
1 Cor. 2:9.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies," vol. 1, pp
. 127-131; "Prophets and Kings," pages
729-733.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les-
son, following the outline.
2.
Key Thought; Ques. 1-3.
3. Ques. 4-6.
4.
Ques. 7-10.
5.
Read the suggested study helps.
6.
Ques. 11-13; Conclusions and Con-
victions.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Promised Possession
1.
The promise to Abraham.
2.
Restoration of first dominion.
3.
Promise to disciples.
4.
Our inheritance assured.
5.
Our attitude.
II.
That Better Country
1.
The earth created not in vain.
2.
The constant hope of God's people.
3.
Isaiah's description of the new earth.
4.
John's description of the Holy City.
5.
Sorrow and suffering no more.
III. We Must Be There
1.
Our limited comprehension.
2.
Our preparation.
3.
Christ's welcome to the saved.
Key Thought:
"The condition of eternal life is now just
what it always has been,-just what it was
in Paradise before the fall of our first par-
ents,-perfect obedience to the law of God,
perfect righteousness. If eternal life were
granted on any condition short of this, then
the happiness of the whole universe would
be imperiled. The way would be open for
sin, with all its train of woe and misery, to
be immortalized."-Steps
to Christ,
page 67.
THE LESSON
The Promised Possession
1. What promise of eternal inher-
itance was made to Abraham? Gen.
13:14, 15; Gal. 3:16.
NoTE.-"The heritage that God has prom-
ised to His people is not in this world. Abra-
ham had no possession in the earth, 'no, not
so much as to set his foot on.' . . . His sole
possession in the Land of Promise was that
[ 42 ]
HEAVEN'S GATES WILL OPEN TO
THE TOUCH OF A LITTLE CHILD
WITH A HEART OF LOVE.
rock-hewn tomb in the cave of Machpelah.
"But the word of God had not failed;
neither did it meet its final accomplishment
in the occupation of Canaan by the Jewish
people. 'To Abraham and his seed were the
promises made.' Abraham himself was to
share the inheritance. The fulfillment of
God's promise may seem to be long delayed.
. . . The gift to Abraham and his seed in-
cluded not merely the land of Canaan, but
the whole earth."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 169, 170.
2.
To whom was the first dominion
to be restored? Micah 4:8.
NOTE.—"When
man became Satan's cap-
tive, the dominion which he held, passed to
his conqueror. Thus Satan became 'the god
of this world.' He had usurped that domin-
ion over the earth which had been originally
given to Adam. But Christ, by His sacri-
fice paying the penalty of sin, would not
only redeem man, but recover the dominion
which he had forfeited. All that was lost by
the first Adam will be restored by the sec-
ond."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 67.
3.
What comforting promise did
Jesus make to His disciples? John
14:1-3.
NOTE.—"Long
have we waited for our
Saviour's return. But nonetheless sure is the
promise. Soon we shall be in our promised
home. There Jesus will lead us beside the liv-
ing stream flowing from the throne of God
and will explain to us the dark providences
through which on this earth He brought us
in order to perfect our characters. There
we shall behold with undimmed vision the
beauties of Eden
restored."—Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 254.
should be our attitude? 2 Peter 3:13;
Heb. 10:23, 35.
That Better Country
6.
In what words are we assured
that God's original purpose for this
earth will not be in vain? Isa. 45:18.
NoTE.—"God created the earth to be the
abode of holy, happy beings. The Lord
`formed the earth and made it; He bath
established it, He created it not in vain, He
formed it to be inhabited.' That purpose will
be fulfilled, when, renewed by the power of
God, and freed from sin and sorrow, it shall
become the eternal abode of the redeemed."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 67.
7.
What has been the buoyant hope
of God's people down through the
ages? Heb. 11:10, 13-16.
4.
Through whom is our inherit-
ance assured? Eph. 1:13, 14.
NoTE.—" '0 tower of the flock, the strong-
hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall
it come, even the first dominion.' The time
has come, to which holy men have looked
5.
In view of Christ's promise, what . with longing since the flaming sword barred
[ 43 1
the first pair from Eden,—the time for 'the
redemption of the purchased possession.'
The earth originally given to man as his
kingdom, betrayed by him into the hands of
Satan, and so long held by the mighty foe,
has been brought back by the great plan of
redemption. All that was lost by sin has
been restored. . . . God's original purpose in
the creation of the earth is, fulfilled as it is
made the eternal abode of the redeemed.
`The righteous shall inherit the land, and
dwell therein forever.'
"—The Great Con-
troversy,
page 674.
8.
Describe some of the glories of
the new earth. Isa. 65:17, 21, 22, 25;
11:6-9; 35:1, 2, 7-9.
NOTE.—"A fear of making the future
in-
heritance
seem too material has led many to
spiritualize away the very truths which lead
us to look upon it as our home. Christ as-
sured His disciples that He went to prepare
mansions for them in the Father's house.
Those who accept the teachings of God's
word will not be wholly ignorant concerning
the heavenly abode."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
pages 674, 675.
9.
In what sublime language does
John describe the City of God? Rev.
21:1-3, 10-27.
NOTE.—"There, immortal minds will con-
template with never-failing delight the won-
ders of creative power, the mysteries of
redeeming love. There will be no cruel,
deceiving foe to tempt to forgetfulness of
God. Every faculty will be developed, every
capacity increased. The acquirement of
knowledge will not weary the mind or ex-
haust the energies. There the grandest enter-
prises may be carried forward, the loftiest
aspirations reached, the highest ambitions
realized; and still there will arise new heights
to surmount, new wonders to admire, new
truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call
forth the powers of mind and soul and
body."—The
Great Controversy,
page 677.
10.
What unhappy experiences will
never mar the joys of the new earth?
Isa. 33:24; Rev. 21:4;
7:17.
NOTE.—"Pain cannot exist in the atmos-
phere of heaven. There will be no more
tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourn-
ing. 'There shall be no more death, neither
sorrow, nor crying, . . . for the former
things are passed away.' The inhabitant
shall not say, I am sick: the people that
dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.'
"There is the New Jerusalem, the me-
tropolis of the glorified new earth, 'a crown
of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal
diadem in the hand of thy
God.'"—The
Great Controversy,
page 676.
We Must Be There
11.
How limited is the human mind
in comprehending all that God has
prepared for those who love Him?
1 Cor. 2:9.
NOTE.—"As your senses delight in the at-
tractive loveliness of the earth, think of the
world that is to come, that shall never know
the blight of sin and death; where the face
of nature will no more wear the shadow of
the curse. Let your imagination picture the
home of the saved, and remember that it will
be more glorious than your brightest imagi-
nation can portray. In the varied gifts of
God in nature we see but the faintest gleam-
ing of His glory. It is written, 'Eye bath not
seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered
into the heart of man, the things which God
hath prepared for them that love Him.'
"—
Steps to Christ,
page 91.
12.
How are we admonished to pre-
pare ourselves for the coming of
Christ's kingdom? 2 Peter 3:14.
13.
With what words will Jesus
welcome those who are found worthy
to enter the home He has prepared?
. Matt. 25:34.
[44]
NOTE.—"Better than all the friendship of
the world is the friendship of Christ's re-
deemed. Better than a title to the noblest
palace on earth is a title to the mansions our
Lord has gone to prepare. And better than
all the words of earthly praise, will be the
Saviour's words to His faithful servants,
`Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the
kingdom prepared for you from the founda-
tion of the world.'
"—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
page 374 (new ed., p. 379).
Conclusions and Convictions
1.
The road we choose to follow in this
life will determine our future destiny.
2.
Like Abraham of old, by faith we seek
that "better country" and that city "whose
builder and maker is God."
3.
If we are to enter heaven at last, we
must bring all of heaven into this life that
we can.
4.
"If you are to be saints in heaven, you
must first be saints upon the
earth."—Testi-
monies to Ministers,
page 145.
5.
The Christian's problem is not so much
a matter of how to get a man into heaven
by and by, as it is how to get heaven into a
man here and now.
6.
"Heaven's golden gate opens not to the
self-exalted. . . . But the everlasting portals
will open wide to the trembling touch of a
little
child."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page
404 (new ed., p. 413).
SPECIAL
NOTICE
The
Teacher's Edition
of the Senior
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
is now available. Because of the many requests received from Sabbath-
school members everywhere, it is once more making its appearance. The
first-quarter issue of 1954 is the first edition printed.
For the convenience of Sabbath-school teachers, officers, and other
members one full blank page is provided for every page of lesson copy.
Thus ample space is given so that the answers to questions and additional
notes may be written.
PRICES
Yearly subscription (in either singles or clubs)
Each, $ .75
Standing orders (in club subscription only)
Each, $ .25
Single copy
EaCh, $. .25
Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View,
[45
]
For Every Sabbath
School Teacher
and Class Member
THREE LIONS
A major source for the notes and study helps in our Sabbath-
school lessons from quarter to quarter is the spirit of ,prophecy.
Some of these indispensable volumes which should be in every
Sabbath-school member's library for easy reference are:
The CONFLICT of the AGES Series
,
PATRIARCHS and PROPHETS
PROPHETS and KINGS
The DESIRE of AGES
The ACTS of the APOSTLES
The GREAT CONTROVERSY
TESTIMONIES for the CHURCH
TESTIMONY TREASURES
CHRIST'S OBJECT LESSONS
EARLY WRITINGS
[46]
EDUCATION
EVANGELISM
GOSPEL WORKERS
INDEX to the WRITINGS of
ELLEN G. WHITE
MESSAGES to YOUNG PEOPLE
The MINISTRY of HEALING
STEPS to CHRIST
THOUGHTS From the MOUNT
of BLESSING
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
March 27, 1954 — South American Division
The South American Division is the field to benefit from the Thir-
teenth Sabbath Offering overflow this quarter. The South American
Division is one of our largest divisions, and within its territory is the
largest European population south of the equator. One of their urgent
needs is to train young people to carry on the work in the different
countries of this great field. Many schools have been established, and
they are full to overflowing with students. But facilities and equipment
in many of these schools .are altogether inadequate. Therefore the over-
flow from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter will help to
provide a boys' :dormitory at each of our academies in the South Brazil
Union.
The medical missionary work done on the rivers of South America
is one of the most effective pieces of missionary work we know of. This
quarter we will help to add another launch to our medical-evangelistic
fleet—this one to operate on the Araguaia River. South America is look-
ing to our Sabbath schools around the world for this much-needed
help on March 27.
LESSONS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1954
Sabbath-school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the second quarter will be helped by the following outline in studying the
first lesson. They will thus be able to follow the daily study of the lesson.
The general topic of the lesson is "Love." The first lesson is entitled "The
Way of Love." The memory verse is 1 John 4:7, 8. The study helps are:
The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 70-76;
Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 260-267, 327,
328 ;
Love,
by Taylor G. Bunch, pages 9-13. The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Ex. 20:17 ; Rom. 7:7.
Ques. 8. 1 Cor. 12:31 ; 13.
Ques. 2. Eph. 5:3-5.
Ques. 9. Gal. 5:22, 23 ; Rom. 5:5, last part.
Ques. 3. 1 Cor. 12:31.
Ques. 10. 1 John 4:7, 8, 16.
Ques. 4. 1 Cor. 14:1.
Ques. 11. Matt. 24:9-12.
Ques. 5. Eph. 4:8, 11-15.
Ques. 12. 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
Ques. 6. 1 Cor. 1:6-8; Rev. 12:17.
Ques. 13. Luke 21:25-27.
Ques. 7. 1 Cor. 12 :1, 4, 7-12, 14-25.
Ques. 14. 1 John 4:17,18.
[47]
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BOYS' DORMITORY
PARANA ACADEMY
BOYS' DORMITORY
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.
TIMM AIRES
SOUTH AMERICAN DIVISION
CONFERENCE
POPULATION
CHURCHES 01.6101.
SS. MEN.
AUSTRAL UNION
25,104,425
135
13,971
15,549
CAST BRAZIL UNION M. 26.605,419
62
9,640
14,800
INCA UNION M.
14910,953
70
17,540
23,132
/NORTH BRAZIL UNION
5950,461
15
1,876
2,862
SOUTH BRAZIL UNION
15,153.724
70
13260
26,609
DIVISION TOTALS
97,634,982
352
61,287
82,952